While there are hundreds of millions of people who use social networks, some of these are sex offenders who have used the web sites to target children. How can you as a parent help protect your kids from these threats? For a start, it’s helpful for parents to be aware of the potential profile of who really might be talking to your kids. A study from the Crimes Against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire found that, in most cases:
- Online sex offenders are looking for teens and do not lie about their age.
- They aren’t generally posing as a teen, but take their time in establishing a teens trust through repeated and intimate communication, in hopes of leading to sex.
- Many have previously been charged with nonviolent statutory rape.
The targets of these sex predators tend to know they are communicating with an adult. In many cases, their vulnerability increases when there is a history of abuse at home, depression, and general risky behavior.
As a parent, just monitoring your kids online behavior, and encouraging them to guard their personal information may not be enough. But it’s important to establish boundaries and rules for your kids, just as you would for their offline lives. Learn about the sites your kids visit, and how they regularly communicate, such email, IM, or text messaging.
Always encourage your children to come to you whenever they experience any situation that makes them feel uncomfortable. Check out the Kid’s Health site for more information about how you can discuss some of these issues with your teens, and help steer them away from online sex offenders.
14 Comments on "Knowing What Threats Your Teens Face Online"
Cathy Kaufman
Looking for the book Queen Bee want be, that was on the interview with the parents of Erika Smith, a Virginia 14-year-old who was murdered in 2002.
Cathy Kaufman
Looking for the book we think was called something like, “Queen Bee Want to Be”, that was on the interview with the parents of Erika Smith, a Virginia 14-year-old who was murdered in 2002 that was on the February 28th episode.
Lorrie West
I think your video’s are a great way to teach people
to know what to do on any threats lorrie west
Lorrie West
What the best way to keep your children safe
when your not with them so nothing happens to them
Lorrie West
Id theft in a big problem in some case about every
name that I know of is alway the same as some one else name like lorrie or a art name like Elizabeth or james alway 3 or 4 different people with the same name with the same ID
angel
i would like 2 say, mr. john walsh,,,, i`m very, very deeply sadened n heart broken 4 the loss of ur son adam,,, who became america`s son as well,,,,i want u n ur wife n all the ppl that helped u do what u did 2 get law`s passed n 2 help bring missing children home n bring criminal`s 2 justice,, what i`m trying 2 say is that i`m mightee proud of all of u n i`m a big fan of ur show a.m.w. n i pray god will keep giving u all the know how 2 do, do as u do, n may he help give u n everyone the strenghth 2 do everything u do n keep up the great work n i love u all n may god bless u all n take care !!!!!!!…..
angel
this also goes 2 mr. n mrs. john walsh ,,,,
with everything u 2 have done n gonna keep
doing,,i wanna let u n everyone else invloved know
thank you, thank you , n i mightee proud of u all,,
plus i know that our little angel adam will agree,,,
all of u have certainly earned ur wing`s n halo`s
no doubt,,,,may god reach down n smile upon
u all n take really good care of u all, forever more!!!
mariand
well that not good for them ther mom shoud pervid ther phone……..
~Hannah Banana~
These safety tips really do help…..thank u. i post then on myspace every time i get a chance!
jessica
omg!i wonder who would give out info.to strangers!
laketia
I TALK TO MY DAUGTHER EVERY DAY ABOUT STRANGERS AND I LET HER KNOW THAT IF SOMEONE COME UP TO HER SHE BETTER SCREAM FOR HER LIFE . ALOT PEOPLE LET THEIR KIDZ GOIN ONLINE WELL ME I SIT RIGTH NEXT TO MY DAUGTHER SO THAT I CAN SEE WHAT SHE DOIN .IM VERY SORRY FOR WHAT HAPPEN TO YOUR SON BUT THE ONLY THINK U CAN DO IS PUT IT IN GOD HANDS .I LUV YOUR SHOW I LOOK AT IT EVERY SATURDAY NITE.
abby
im so sorry jonwalsh for ur sons death, and thanxs for helping other criminals going to jail, i wish you and ur family manny blessings i love ur show!!!=D
mark anthony
you guys are doing good
Yolanda G Quiroz
, I used to think old, old neighbors diserve respect and trust, no matter what.
On These years no more!!!!. Fundamental things any child should keep for his/ her own sake and safety, IF ALONE, Based on ( sorry ) there is evil everywhere, yesterday, today and tomorrow : Number 1 : Do not trust anybody, even if they beg you 5-10 times to let your kid to join them, ( even best friends ) for an outing or sleepover.
2.Do and practice your alternate plan in advance, memorized by heart, alternate phone,
person to ask for help, drill & drill, your well designe d. God Bless Mr. Walsh for so much good done .
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