The Internet is an integral part of most American children's lives. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports youngsters between the ages of 8 and 18 spend over seven and a half hours online daily. The Internet has positive uses, like studying and social networking, but it also exposes children to dangers. You need to know the facts about Internet predators and bullies and how to detect and stop them.
Issues
There are two common issues that affect a child's safety online: stalking by sexual predators and online bullying, or "cyberbullying." Adults who want to have cybersex with youngsters or meet them in person visit chatrooms and befriend intended victims. Bullies attack victims online in chat rooms, forums and social networking sites. Sexual predators are usually strangers who look for vulnerable kids, while 71 percent of cyberbullying victims, according to UCLA researcher Jaana Juvonen, know the bully personally.
Statistics
The Pennsylvania Attorney General warns that 20 percent of children are sexually solicited over the Internet, although 75 percent don't tell their parents. Chat rooms and instant messaging carry the most danger, as 89 percent of solicitations happen through these media.
Juvonen's research found almost three in four teenagers has been bullied at least once online, and 85 percent of regular cyberbullying victims are also picked on at school. Only 10 percent report the problem to a parent or other adult.
Warning Signs
The FBI cites several warning signs that a child may be at risk due to online activities. These include spending an excessive amount of time on the Internet, particularly at night, and quickly changing screens when you approach. The child may receive mail, gifts or phone calls from an unfamiliar person and start withdrawing from the family. Predators often woo youngsters with presents and try to distance them from their parents and siblings so they will not tell anyone about the online relationship, the FBI warns. This is often a prelude to a secret in-person meeting. Kids who are being bullied may also withdraw and appear worried or depressed.
Prevention
According to the FBI, parents can take preventative steps to keep children safe online. This includes talking to them about common Internet dangers and what to do if someone tries to start an inappropriate conversation. Check the child's computer regularly, and consider installing software that blocks certain websites and monitors online activity. Check your caller ID regularly and question the child if numbers are erased.
The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team, or US-CERT, recommends teaching your child to protect personal data, especially contact information, to help prevent cyberbullying.
Solution
You may not be able to keep your child completely safe online, but you can deal with predators and bullies effectively. The Pennsylvania Attorney General recommends forcing the child to cut off all contact with a sexual predator. Call the police immediately. Some local police departments have dedicated Child Internet Predator Units.
US-CERT advises documenting cyberbullying and reporting it to the police. It may also be appropriate to report it to school authorities.
References
- Federal Bureau of Investigation: A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety
- UCLA Newsroom: Bullying of teenagers online is common
- Pennsylvania Attorney General: Cybersafety
- United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team: Dealing With Cyberbullies
- "The New York Times": If Your Kids Are Awake, They're Probably Online
