Although the Internet offers infinite opportunities and possibilities, the ability to connect with complete strangers can have its negative consequences. The Internet allows people to interact with complete strangers, allowing for children to be put in a compromising situation. Online child predators are individuals who attempt to sexually exploit children through the use of on-line services and the Internet. According to the FBI, more then half a million pedophiles are online everyday There are two types of pedophiles; ones who are seeking face to face meetings, and ones who collect and trade child pornography(FBI, 2014). According to John Shehan, CyberTipline program manager for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Alexandria, Virginia, one in seven kids have been sexually solicited online. (Kam, 2014) Previously, online predators would scour online chat rooms, and MySpace, but have adapted to newer technology, and more popular social networks, like Facebook and Instagram. The anonymity of the Internet can lead to trusting relationships that form very quickly. One major issue, a lot of information about the child gets posted online, such as pictures, home address, school, and information about a daily routine putting children at a major safety risk. This personal information can be very helpful to pedophiles, helping them create a bond with naive children, as well as learning about their activities and whereabouts. In addition, with the use of location aware applications on a phone, a child could not even realize that they are posting their exact location online, putting them at major risk. Predators use the Internet to their advantage, using disguises to be whoever they want to be. These people focus on gaining a child's trust, forming an emotional connection and using it to exploit them.
Solutions?
Child predators have always existed, looking for places with kids, like playgrounds. Technology has only made the process easier for predators, allowing easy access to a large array of children. Although I don't believe that there are any complete solutions to this problem, many preventative measures can be taken. I have written some steps below that you can take to avoid online predators.
The Innocent Image Investigators are part of the FBI and work undercover online to stop child predators and help victims.
Internet Safety Tips
The younger generation uses technology and social networking frequently, but are the most naive when dealing with strangers.
- Don't put personal information online! Don't post your town, your address, or even your high school information online.
- Explore the privacy settings of every social network you, or your kids are using. You can personalize it to what you feel is appropriate.
- TURN OFF location aware application settings.
- For Parents- Utilize parental controls, talk about Internet safety, and explore your child's social networks. Teach them how to use the Internet as a responsible source. Talk to your child about internet safety awareness. Parents should explain the dangers of coming into contact with a child predator. Remember, knowledge is power.
- According to the FBI, if you find evidence of an online predator, you should immediately contact your local or state law enforcement agency, the FBI, and the National Center for Missong and Exploited Children. In addition, save all of the evidence found.
- Also, always remember that not everything you see online is true!
Here is a link to Shawn Henry, Executive Assistant Director of the FBI, warning about the dangers of online predators.
WORKS CITED
Kam, Katherine. "4 Dangers of The Internet." WebMD. WebMD LLC, 2014.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation. "A Parents Guide to Internet Safety." FBI Publications. 2013. FBI.Gov.
