The Internet is a place of abundant educational and entertainment resources. For kids and teens, it can also be a place of solicitation and exploitation by online predators. Sexual abuse, pornography, abduction and other dangers put kids and teens at risk for serious trouble when Internet safety is neglected. Understanding the nature of online abuse allows kids and teens to use the Internet safely.
Significance
Exploitation of children online is a significant threat. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, one in every seven kids receives a sexual solicitation on the Internet. This includes requests to engage in sexual discussion, give out personal information and engage in sexual activity.
In addition, up to 4 percent of kids receive phone calls, money, gifts and mail from online predators, with some going as far as meeting in person.
Challenges
Respecting a child's need for privacy and independence while preventing online abuse can be a balancing act for parents. The growing presence of the Internet in schools, homes, libraries and the work force ensures almost constant access to chat rooms and other places of exploitation, making it nearly impossible for caregivers to monitor kids' use of the Internet at all times.
What's more, many parents are ignorant of the tactics used by online predators to exploit children as well as the online safety features used to prevent harm.
Prevention/Solution
Because constant supervision is impossible, educating kids and teens about the dangers of online abuse is the best method of prevention. According to KidsHealth, parents should implement filtering devices and other safety features before allowing children to surf the web. Spending time with kids online to teach them safe Internet practices is also instrumental in preventing solicitation and abuse.
Keeping a close watch over kids' Internet habits is also important. Placing computers in a common area, such as the living room, rather than in bedrooms allows for closer supervision.
Potential
The Internet can be a great educational tool for kids and teens. Scholarly articles, pictures, video and interactive websites allow easy access to information with the click of a mouse, eliminating the need to spend hours at the library. By implementing firm rules and teaching kids about Internet safety, parents can greatly reduce the risks of online solicitation among kids and teens.
Considerations
Predators come from all age groups, genders, races and socioeconomic classes. The relative anonymity of the Internet allows predators to pose as other people, making it difficult to recognize pedophiles and other criminals by appearance alone. If online abuse is suspected, alert law enforcement immediately to prevent serious harm.
