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Child Predators on The Internet. While the computer age has opened a whole new world for our children to explore and learn from, the "information superhighway" also has a dark side we all need to be aware of. Just as they pray on land, Paedophiles lurk on the Internet waiting to lure innocent children into their web of deviance. Modern technology in the form of the Internet has made interaction between paedophiles easier than in the past. The computer, in fact, has turned out to be the greatest single advancement in the history of paedophilia. (Time, May 1999) By use of the computer, the paedophile can quickly organize his material, communicate instantly with others who share his "interest" and surf the net for potential victims. The Internet provides a preferential child molester with unique opportunities. For example, he cannot hang around a school very long without arousing suspicion, but he can remain in teen and pre-teen chat rooms indefinitely. Through the Internet, the paedophile has something he could only dream about - unlimited and unrestricted access to vulnerable children. They know how to relate to children and find it easy to communicate on their level. They present themselves in areas children frequent and often pose as children. They get to know the child they are communicating with and pass themselves off as a friend. They will often use smoking, drugs and talking about sex as an incitement to lure the child to meet them without anyone knowing. The trap is then laid. The predator will lure the child out to meet with them. Thinking it's another child, they set off to meet their friend. What happens next depends on the plan of the predator. For some, this is enough but for others the total violation of the innocent child is their major priority. The key to all of this is that child predators are cons. Their goals are as varied as their egos. The limits for one may be just the beginning point for another. There is no way to predict how any given predator will react. Their personalities differ. Their needs are not the same. There is only one thing they have completely in common: That is the fact that they find their "thrill" in luring a child into their trap If you own a computer please educate children of any age of the following simple rules, this may reduce your child's risk of exploitation. Ø Become more aware on what your children are doing on-line. Who are they chatting to, what web sites are being frequented. Ø Your computer should be clearly visible and not hidden away in a child's room. Ø Teach your children NEVER to give out any personal information such as their name, address, telephone numbers, the school attended, or the shopping centres visited. Ø Teach your children NEVER to send anyone a photograph or any other item via the Internet to strangers without obtaining your permission. Ø Teach them NEVER to respond to any message that makes them feel uncomfortable. (unsolicited e-mail or e-mail from strangers) Don't allow someone to say nasty or naughty things to them, Ø Teach your children that if they come across this to let you know immediately so that you can get the persons user ID and possibly their IP address. Ø Teach them NEVER to agree to meet with anyone they have met on-line. If someone asks them to meet, first let them discuss it with you. Web sites like www.enough.org and www.cyberangles.com have joined in the struggle against paedophilia and on-line pornography. Software companies have devised filtering and blocking programs like CYBERPATROL, NETNANNY and SURFWATCH that you can install on your computer. This software will automatically screen web sites for objectionable content and access. Remember the more you know as parents, the more you can teach your children. There is so much good in using the Internet and children should be able to enjoy it SAFELY.
