INTRODUCTION TO INTERNET SAFETY
The computer has now become a tool in everyday use.

Children are using the internet for school research, homework, and to communicate with family and friends. The negative aspect of children on the internet is that they are also at a greater risk of being contacted by internet predators such as cyber bullies or pedophiles.

These risks are real. Parents, it is your responsibility to protect your child whether inside or outside of the home. Talk to your child about their computer usage and supervise their activity.

Desk tops and laptops computers in the home, friend’s homes, work, libraries, stores, schools, Internet Cafes, PDA’s / Blackberries, cell phones, Internet capable games, such as PlayStation 2 and Xbox all provide access to the internet and where the internet is accessible, so is the ability for children to become victimized.

Pedophiles and other child exploiters have direct one-on-one access to children through blogs, chat rooms, online games, and personal web pages such as MySpace and Facebook. Pornography which is legally restricted to adults can easily be accessed by children online.

The Internet has provided child pornographers a powerful and anonymous distribution vehicle. Child pornography has become a $20 billion international industry. “Distance” and children’s natural trust can lead them to forget that these people are strangers … and many of them are very good at misrepresenting who they are. Children make ideal victims because they are naturally curious, they sometimes have a desire to rebel against parents and seek attention and affection.

Cyberbullying is becoming an increasing problem at home as well as at schools. Cyberbullying involves the use of technology for the deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group that is intended to harm others. Children are becoming suicidal because of postings placed on their personal pages by others.

Youtube video for Cyperbulling: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ck-OIP6nwLo

Signs that your child might be at risk on-line
Your child spends large amounts of time on-line, especially at night.

Most children that fall victim to computer-sex offenders spend large amounts of time on-line, particularly in chat rooms. While much of the knowledge and experience gained may be valuable, parents should consider monitoring the amount of time spent on-line. Children on-line are at the greatest risk during the evening hours.

Your child receives phone calls from men you don't know or is making calls, sometimes long distance, to numbers you don't recognize.

While talking to a child victim on-line is a thrill for a computer-sex offender. Most want to talk to the children on the telephone.

Your child receives mail, gifts, or packages from someone you don't know.

As part of the seduction process, it is common for offenders to send letters, photographs, and all manner of gifts to their potential victims.

Your child turns the computer monitor off or quickly changes the screen on the monitor when you come into the room.

A child looking at pornographic images or having sexually explicit conversations does not want you to see it on the screen.