Know The Risks
The Predator…Is he your child’s friend online?
The internet opens a world of possibilities for your child. While it expands their horizons and exposes them to different cultures and ways of life, it also introduces them to dangers as they explore the internet highway.
There are individuals who attempt to sexually exploit children through the use of online services and the internet. Some of these predators will gradually seduce children with attention, affection, kindness and gifts. They’re often willing to devote a considerable amount of time, money and energy into this process. They will listen and empathize with your child and they will be aware of the latest music, hobbies and interests of your child. They will lower a child’s inhibitions by slowly introducing sexual content into their conversations. There are other predators who will immediately engage in sexually explicit conversations with your child.
It’s important for parents to understand that your child can be indirectly victimized through chat as well as the sending of pornographic images to your child’s email or profile. Parents and kids should remember that a predator does not have to fit the persona of a dirty, unkempt, older guy wearing a raincoat, to be someone who could actually hurt your child.
