Cyberproofing - Protecting Our Children
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Cyber Predators. . .
How they work?
Predators use conversations in chat rooms, instant messaging, E-mail, blogs or discussion boards to interact and groom your child/student into believing that they (predator) are the only ones who understand and support the child. Since many teens use peer support online forums to deal with their problems. Predators often go to these online areas to look for vulnerable victims. Online predators try to gradually seduce their targets through attention, affection, kindness, and even gifts, and often devote considerable time, money, and energy to this effort. They're aware of the latest music and hobbies likely to interest kids. Predators may also evaluate the kids they meet online for future face-to-face contact.
Screen Names
Another problem area, especially for young girls. Screen names like hottie69, sweetlove, sexyone, etc. attract the wrong people who would normally pass you by on the net. While changing screen names regularly and using false personal information is safe online behaviour, it is problematic in that people feel that doing this regularly can become too much work. Be sure to change these names regularly.
The following are excellent resources on this topic:
New Friend or Predator?
A Parents Guide to Fighting Online Predators (video)
What's in the News ...
Police arrest 57 in countrywide child pornography sweep.[March 2009]
Internet predators continue to multiply [March 2009]
Online predator targeted moms. [March 2009]
2 children rescued, 93 charges laid in Ontario child porn investigation. [February 2009]
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