Stop Child Exploitation on the Internet

Most of us remember the warnings issued to us as children; don't take candy from strangers, don't accept a ride from a stranger, take main streets when walking to and from school,etc. While these are still valuable lessons to learn, there are now more dangers at home and in our schools than ever before. One of the most dangerous toys our children play with is a computer and the most dangerous place for them to play is the Internet.

Internet predators waiting to exploit children come in all sizes, shapes and age ranges. They can be halfway around the world or in our own neighborhoods. We have provided them access to our children by allowing our children unsupervised Internet access. Predators can pose as anything they think would attract a child, They find the children on social networking sites and in chat rooms. They have enough knowledge of games, music, and other things that interest children to engage them in conversation and build a trusting relationship with the child. Predators may also use photos they have copied from another source in order to complete a facade that would be pleasing to their intended victim.

In extreme cases, predators will draw the children in by pretending they understand any problems the child has with school, peers or family. By isolating the child, they trick their victim into becoming dependent on the predator. They side with the child against unfair parents and teachers hoping for an opportunity to suggest a meeting or that the child would be better off running away.

Many cases involve the predator pretending to be who their victim would be interested in so the victim will be comfortable enough to start a web cam. Initially just to see their face, then they flatter the victim and work toward having the victim perform sexually on cam for them. The predator can record the victim's web cam, take still photos from the web cam or even talk the victim into taking pictures to send over the Internet.

The most recent child exploitation statistics from missingkids.com report that one in seven children ages 10-17 will be solicited for sex while online. Four percent of the children approached for sex will aggressively pursued by the predator who asks for a meet, sends emails, regular mail, calls them or send them gifts.A shockingly low percentage of the children approached by online predators report the incidents to a parent or guardian. Only 42% of the children who were extremely upset or afraid after the incident reported it.

Sites that provide ways to have a one-on-one conversation and/or allow the use of web cam, file sharing or any other form of information sharing are sties that may attract Internet predators. Chat rooms that are not monitored tend to provide a perfect hunting ground for these people to locate victims.

The best defense against Internet predators is to make sure children understand the danger of strangers online. They need to know not to turn on a web cam or give out personal information, including phone numbers. If they are offered gifts or asked to meet in person, they need to report that to someone of authority. Stranger danger requires more diligence than ever before to keep children safe.

 The posted video was one of many found on youtube about online predators. The video is particularly important because it does show that younger children and girls that are the only one's at risk.

Justin also speaks of using a webcam to chat with the 'teen girl' when she advised her webcam wouldn't work; so Justin never knew who was viewing him. When he stopped using a webcam with the predator, he/she became angry and threatened him.

Situations like this happen far too often to kids of all ages and both sexes. Justin has turned his negative experience into something positive by deciding to warn others by telling his story. Peers have a much better chance getting other kids to listen than parents.