• 95% of parents didn't recognize the lingo kids use to let people
    know that their parents are watching
  • 89% of sexual solicitations are made in either chat rooms or Instant
    Messages
  • One of out of every five kids has received unwanted sexual solicitation
    online
  • 75% of youth who receive an online sexual solicitation did not tell
    a parent
  • 76% of parents don't have rules about what their kids can do on the
    computer
  • 4,000,000 children are posting content to the Web everyday
  • 15,000,000 youth use Instant Messages
  • 80% of offenders were quite explicit about their sexual intentions
  • 73% of cases include multiple sexual encounters
  • In half the cases, victims are described as being in love with the
    offender or feelings close friendships
  • On average, 75% of residents live within one mile of a registered
    sex offender.
  • For the sex offender, the internet is the most effective tool ever
    invented.
  • 80% of children ages 7-18 receive inappropriate e-mail, instant messages
    or text messages on a daily basis.
  • 37% of on-line teens have used IM (Instant Messenger) to write something
    that they would not have said in person.
  • On the internet, everyone's child is a target.

Why the Internet is the perfect place for the child sex offender. It
provides the offender with:

  • An unsupervised environment
  • Instant gratification
  • Easy and affordable access
  • Tremendous storage capacity
  • Perception of privacy and anonymity
  • Opportunity for instant communication with children using e-mail,
    chat rooms, instant messaging, newsgroups, clubs, Blogging, MySpace,
    Facebook, etc.)

Where do Predators meet our children?

  • Chat Rooms such as Yahoo, AOL
  • MySpace, Facebook
  • File Sharing Sites
  • Instant Messenger

What Can Parents Do
  1. Learn everything you can about computers, the Internet and related
    technology. 

  1. Develop and maintain proficiency through use.
  2. Ask children to demonstrate.
  • Communicate with your children.
    1. Take time to discuss concerns, agree on ground rules.
    2. Understand their needs.
    3. Set reasonable expectations.
  • Place the computer in a "well-trafficked" area, NOT a
    child's bedroom or a secluded area.
  • Ensure that they do not divulge detailed personal information when
    completing "profiles" and minimize dissemination.
  • Keep ALL accounts in your name.
  • Know your child's password(s) and screen name(s).
  • Consider the Use
    of Computer/Internet Management Software
    that provides: 

    1. Age-based access levels.
    2. Filtering and blocking (incoming and outgoing)
    3. Time restrictions.
    4. Activity Logs. Parents can view logs that list web sites visited,
      web sites blocked, chat sessions...Software that can even capture
      screen shots and e-mail messages to you if a rule is violated.
  • Periodically review Internet bookmarks, history files, temporary
    Internet files and keyword searches. Also...what can it mean if history,
    keyword or temporary Internet files are cleared????
  • Parents, ask yourself...

    • Do you know who is on your child's friends list?????
    • Is your child posting too much information about themselves? They
      should not post their name, address, phone number, or school name.
    • Does your child have multiple MySpace accounts?

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