CYBERCRIMES

Online Predators

We all know that we live in a technical world with various types of communication gadgets. Children have the ability to communicate with others fairly easy and not only with friends, but with strangers.

Children have access to the Internet at home, at school, libraries, a friend's home, cell phones and other communication gadgets. With the existence and easy access of online video, blogs, chat rooms, and other online media, this opens the door for child predators.

Predators are very aggressive and will travel long distances to meet with the children. This can lead to abduction, sexual abuse and child pornography.

It is important that parents set guidelines when it comes to the Internet (see tips for parents below). It is also important for children to understand the risks of talking to strangers, whether online or in person.

TIPS

• Tell your children never to give out their personal information such as their address, school or phone number - especially in chat rooms and web postings.

• Know which services your child is using, and consider buying blocking/monitoring software, which can be purchased or downloaded for $20-$50.

• Monitor not only your younger children's Internet practices, but also your teens. Teenagers are more likely to get into trouble online than younger kids.

• Never allow a child to arrange a face-to-face meeting with another computer user without your permission. Remember that people online may not be who they say they are.

• Never respond to messages or bulletin board items that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, threatening or make your child feel uncomfortable.

• Set reasonable rules and guidelines for computer use for your children.

• Consider "surfing the net" a family activity. Keep the computer in the family room rather than a child's bedroom. Get to know your child's online friends just as you would their other friends.

(Guidelines courtesy of the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force; www.sachitechcops.org)

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