Editor's note: However much we we would like to think that the
internet is safe for our children, we must always be aware of what they
are doing and who they are talking to....
By Michelle Annese
The biggest trick some child predators are using these days is to
pretend to be a kid, in a kid site chat room.
Child predators are talking the lingo, misspelling words, having simple
conversations to gain trust with children on the internet.
But do you really know just how fast they can find information about
your child or your family?
Scroll down to the bottom and you will see a section called
"Interactive Tools".
Then click on the link
'What Can Be Revealed in Minutes About Your Child Online'
It is a downloadable tutorial that shows parents and kids
just how someone can search for information about you or your child, if
they frequent chat rooms, or send out any type of posts on the internet.
It shows you how a stranger on the internet can find out
EVERYTHING about your child in about 45 minutes,
with even the smallest piece of information to start with.
So what will a child abductor do with this information?
Even if they do not know what your child looks like, they can wait for
them to come home from school, call them by name, call them on the
phone.
And if they walk home from school, they can come in contact with them en
route back home.
Without a doubt, the most dangerous of all...you might not even know if
your child is being stalked by a person like this.
Here are some tips to safeguard your child against these types of
individuals:
1. Just like TV, video games, or watching movies,
you shouldn't let your child have free reign of the computer any time
they like.
Have a central family computer space (keep it out of their rooms if
there is an internet hook-up) By making use of the computer as a family
affair, parents can keep a close eye on who they are interacting with.
2. Make sure you know who they are chatting with online and tell them
exactly why you’re concerned. Just like you want to meet their friends,
get to know who they are talking to online.
Tip - Kids are smart these days. They know there are nasty people in our
society. Be open with them about your concerns and tell them you love
them and You don't want anything happening to them. That way when you do
get 'nosey cozy' every time they’re online, it's not a shock to their
system.
Tell your child under no circumstances should they give out their name,
address, phone #, or where they go to school over the internet.
Tip - It's natural for a kid to want to talk about those things. That's
what makes up their day. Help them fight the urge by working with your
child on 'safe' topics to chat about; movies, music, current events,
even what they are learning in school. But nothing personal.
4. Have them tell you if there are any conversations that make them feel
uncomfortable and to not believe anyone they chat with when they type in
"Don't Tell Your Mom or Dad..." That’s a big flag. Have them tell you
about it.
5. Chatting kids should know never to meet ANYONE off of the internet
without checking with their parents first, whether in a separate chat
room or in person. They must have a parent along and meet in a public
place.
6. Tell your child they should NEVER send a picture to anyone, without
your permission.
Talk with your child about setting rules for going online (time of day,
length of time) and what sites and chat rooms are OK to visit. And what
would happen if they break those rules.
Working together, parents and kids can make the internet informative and
fun, just don't make it easy for a child predator to find them.
Michelle Annese is a 3rd degree black belt with 15+ years experience
teaching industry specific self defense and safety for women and
children. She is author of ‘the Realtor Survival Guide”, ‘Protection for
Women’, and ‘The SafeGuard System for Kids’. For more information on how
to protect yourself and your family go to
http://www.michelleannese.com
and check out other articles and sign up for a free safety tips
e-newsletter.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/
TV Diners: New research shows that half of UK families spend mealtimes on the
couch in front of the TV. TV diners
At what age should children be allowed to cycle unsupervised? How do we keep
them safe? Includes details of Streetwise's safety bus roadshow this
summer (UK) Cycling safety tips for parents
Win a sample copy of Kerwhizz magazine - just play the online quiz and register
your details! Win a sample Kerwhizz magazine
BiC®Kids has launched a nationwide competition to keep kids entertained over the
summer holidays. The BiC Picture
Though most of us will tell our babysitters to call if they need anything, I do
not know many people who really want their cell phones ringing three or four
times a night while out at dinner, a movie, a party etc. By leaving the
babysitter the information contained in this article, you will decrease your
chances of having your night out interrupted by phone calls with questions about
how to turn the DVD player on or what snacks are allowed before bed. A Babysitter Checklist - Everything She
Will Need To Know
Use it or lose it! If you don't use your brain for a long time, it might lose
some of it sharpness - and this is what often occurs during the summer
break. Find out how you can help your kids retain what they have learned in the
previous year! Stop Summer Brain Drain In
Your Kids
