D. Media stories about “online predators” who use the Internet to gain access to young victims have become a staple of news reports since the late 1990s . Much of the publicity about these cases depicts online molesters who use the Internet to lure children into sexual assaults [5].
Why are online predators a problem?
These online areas attract predators because they allow them to have access to make contact with victims without drawing attention . In addition, there is insufficient reliable data concerning the number of minors sharing personal information online due to children’s privacy issues.
Who are the most vulnerable to online predators?
Children between the ages of 12 and 15 are especially susceptible to be groomed or manipulated by adults they meet online. According to the F.B.I., over 50 percent of the victims of online sexual exploitation are between the ages of 12 and 15.
What are the effects of online predators?
Online predators may try to lure kids and teens into sexual conversations or even face-to-face meetings . Predators will sometimes send obscene material or request that kids send pictures of themselves. Therefore, it’s important to teach your kids to be on their guard whenever they’re online.
How many predators are there online?
Federal investigators believe there are more than 500,000 online predators active each day and they all have multiple online profiles. More than 50% of victims are ages 12 to 15 and 89% of victims are contacted by online predators through chat rooms and instant messaging.
What do online predators want?
A predator’s goal is to lure and manipulate a child into believing they care for your child more than his or her parents or family . An Internet predator creates a fictitious online personality that emotionally replaces the trusted parent or guardian in a child’s mind.
How do you spot a predator online?
- Online Predators Sound Nice. ...
- Online Predators Want to Have Conversations in Private. ...
- Online Predators Ask for Personal Information. ...
- Online Predators Already Know Things about You. ...
- Online Predators Ask You Lots of Questions. ...
- Online Predators ALWAYS Agree with You.
How can you tell if someone is a predator?
- Associating with Children. ...
- Creating Dependency. ...
- Using Manipulative Language. ...
- Pushing Physical and Sexual Boundaries. ...
- Expressing Jealousy and Controlling Behavior.
How do I protect my child from online predators?
- Talk to your child about online predators. ...
- Discuss risky behavior. ...
- Spell out what a risky relationship is. ...
- Talk about the dangers of chat rooms. ...
- Warn your child about online flirting. ...
- Bring up sexy selfies. ...
- Be clear about offline safety rules, too.
How can you protect yourself from predators?
- Trust your instincts. ...
- Practice self-awareness. ...
- Don’t mistake obsessive behavior for love or admiration. ...
- Take precautions online. ...
- Take a self-defense class. ...
- Seek support.
What do you mean by online predators?
An online predator is defined as a person who uses the Internet to seek out vulnerable children and adolescents for sexual exploitation or for other abusive purposes .
How can I be safe online?
- Keep Personal Information Professional and Limited. ...
- Keep Your Privacy Settings On. ...
- Practice Safe Browsing. ...
- 4. Make Sure Your Internet Connection is Secure. ...
- Be Careful What You Download. ...
- Choose Strong Passwords. ...
- 7. Make Online Purchases From Secure Sites.
What is inappropriate content?
Inappropriate content includes information or images that upset your child , material that’s directed at adults, inaccurate information or information that might lead or tempt your child into unlawful or dangerous behaviour. ... Pictures, videos or games which show images of violence or cruelty to other people or animals.
How do predators get children?
Predators try to gain children’s trust by talking, playing, and interacting with them as if they were peers and friends (Arévalo, et al., 2014; van Dam, 2001).
What is the average age of online predators?
Internet sexual predators tend to fall between the ages of 18 and 55 , although some are older or younger. Their targets tend to be between the ages of 11 and 15. In 100% of the cases, teens that are the victims of sexual predators have gone willingly to meet with them[iii].
How do you deal with online predators?
The first thing you need to do when dealing with an online predator is tell your parents what’s going on . Be honest with them about how you met the predator and what has happened since so that they can help you and make sure you’re safe. Tell your parents everything about your interactions with an online predator.
