How to Protect Children from Online Predators

Tips to Keep Kids Safe from Internet Pedophiles

Jan 22, 2009

The Internet can be a dangerous place for children, as it has become a stomping ground for pedophiles that lurk in chat rooms awaiting their prey.

As computer use among youngsters continues to rise, more of them are at risk for being victimized by online predators.

“Precise numbers are difficult to come by, but more and more pedophiles from around the globe are using the World Wide Web to prey on young, unsuspecting victims . . .,” says Paula Statman in her book, Raising Careful, Confident Kids in a Crazy World. She also notes, “They troll the chat rooms looking for naive victims and use the Internet to exchange child pornography internationally.”

When the proper precautions are taken to keep kids safe from pedophiles, the Internet can be an exciting way for youngsters to learn and interact with friends from across the globe. Listed below are a few safety measures parents can take to prevent their child from becoming a victim of Internet pedophilia.

Keep the Computer in a Centralized Location

In the pamphlet, Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety, the Federal Bureau of Investigations advises parents to “Keep the computer in a common room in the house, not in your child's bedroom. It is much more difficult for a computer-sex offender to communicate with a child when the computer screen is visible to a parent or another member of the household.”

Provide Parental Supervision

The Internet provides a stage for people to become whoever they want to be. Just because someone says he’s a 15-year-old boy named Lonely Heart doesn’t mean it’s true; he could be a 45-year-old pervert waiting for the prime opportunity to make his move on your unsuspecting teen.

“Parents should supervise young children online and check in regularly with older tweens and teens,” says Sharon Cindrich, author of E-parenting: Keeping up with your Tech-Savvy Kids. She also says, “Parents should be added as a friend or buddy when kids initially begin to explore IM or social networking so parents can see how conversations go.”

Establish Safety Rules and Enforce Them

Online safety rules must be taught to children and reiterated periodically. Some of these rules should include: not giving out personal information such as their name, address, telephone number, or school name; not posting photos of themselves or family members online; never inviting anyone over to their house or agreeing to meet online friends without parental permission; and never opening or responding to unfamiliar e-mails.

Activate Parental Controls

Parental controls are not foolproof and they’re not meant to be a substitute for proper supervision. Parental controls are merely there to assist parents in their efforts to keep inappropriate materials away from kids while they’re online.

The Internet doesn’t have to off limits to children; taking a few simple precautions can make a world of difference in your kids’ level of safety and make their time online fun.

Email interview with Sharon Cindrich, author of E-parenting: Keeping up with your Tech-Savvy Kids. 11-11-08

Statman, Paula. Raising Careful Confident Kids in a Crazy World. Oakland CA: Piccolo Press,1999.

The copyright of the article How to Protect Children from Online Predators in Parenting Tweens is owned by Charlina Stewart. Permission to republish How to Protect Children from Online Predators in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.