One in seven children experience a sexual solicitation while online (National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, 2006).
Parents need to make sure they are aware of where children are playing on the internet. The best way to know if a child is safe is to give restrictions on where the child can play online. Check out safe websites and ensure the child only plays on those selected sites. Sites which are guaranteed to be safe are those that are COPPA compliant which means the website does not take any personal information such as the child’s last name, address, phone number etc. Parents also need to encourage children to NEVER give out such information on-line.
Parents need to encourage children to talk to them whenever they feel uncomfortable while playing online. Children need to be encouraged to tell parents when they are bullied on line or when somebody says something that makes them feel unpleasant in any way.
Software that blocks access to certain websites or tracks online usage can prove useful, but it is not always enough to keep children safe. There is no substitute for active parental involvement, conscientious computer monitoring and open communication between parents and children when it comes to Internet safety.
Parents need to be aware of warning signs that may indicate their child may be involved with an online predator. These warning signs may include receiving phone calls from strangers, unsolicited gifts arriving in the mail or finding pornography on the child's computer. Other warning signs often include suddenly turning off the computer when a parent enters the room, a sudden withdrawal from family, a reluctance to talk about online activities and spending long periods of time online, especially at night. Children who display any of these warning signs need to be closely monitored. If parents discover their child has been involved in an inappropriate relationship with an adult online, they should call their local police department immediately.
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