Child Predators: Is Your Child At Risk?

Link: http://www.interactivedadmagazine.com/absolutenm/templates/default.aspx?a=1376&z=7 

There are signs parents should look out for to determine whether your child has been contacted by a predator.

1.  Your child may turn off the computer suddenly when you enter the room.  Your child may be receiving gifts from others that you do not know.  

2.  They may become more secretive about what they are doing online and usually spend more than an hour a day on the Internet.  

3.  You may see long distance phone numbers that you do not recognize or they may receive phone calls from people that you are not familiar with.  

As a parent, what can you do?  One of the best ways to keep your child safe online is to create open dialogue with your child and to set clear rules regarding computer and Internet usage.  

You will also need to understand what your child is doing online.  Learning more about how your child uses the Internet and whom they talk to in emails and instant message chat rooms can do this.   

You might also consider using internet monitoring tools to keep tabs on your child’s activity. 

Wendy McLellan runs http://www.safecomputerkids.com, a web site that helps parents protect their children from sexual predators.  As a counselor and Program Director of an intensive outpatient program, Wendy has experienced first-hand the devastating effects abuse, violence, sexual abuse, addiction and predatory behavior have on adolescents and families.