Predators
Online predators can look just like normal people. They can be a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer or a nurse. They can even be someone you go to church with. Contrary to popular belief, Internet predators are not always pedophiles. Pedophiles target pre-pubescent children, while online predators typically target adolescents who engage in risky online behavior.
Grooming
Predators take advantage of a child's natural vulnerabilities such as a need for attention or desire to be favored by an adult. Grooming is the process by which predators play on these vulnerabilities by offering them gifts and attention. Usually, grooming is not done overnight. It takes time and patience for the predator to build the child's trust. The will try to coax the child into a face-to-face meeting by:
Guarding Against Predators
Children who experience online victimization may not share personal details with their parent or guardian right away, but there are warning signs that can help identify a child who has faced a situation of online victimization. Parents and guardians should keep in mind that not all children are being groomed by older predators; children may have sexual encounters with peers and older teens. However, any adult seeking a sexual encounter with a minor is considered a predator. If a child comes to you with a disclosure of exploitation, reassure him or her that talking to an adult is the right action to take and divert any blame away from the victim.
Warning Signs of Grooming or Exploitation on Your Child
Tips for Protecting Children from Predators
Help teach your children to identify predators’ methods for online enticement.
Discussion Starters
Most of the content on this page comes from netsmartz.org. Check it out here for more information and/or resources.
Grooming
Predators take advantage of a child's natural vulnerabilities such as a need for attention or desire to be favored by an adult. Grooming is the process by which predators play on these vulnerabilities by offering them gifts and attention. Usually, grooming is not done overnight. It takes time and patience for the predator to build the child's trust. The will try to coax the child into a face-to-face meeting by:
- Exploiting the child’s natural curiosity about sex
- Lowering the child’s inhibitions by gradually introducing explicit images and child sex abuse images
- Using his or her adult status to influence and control a child’s behavior
- Offering attention and affection
- Betraying a child’s trust by manipulating his or her emotions and insecurities
Guarding Against Predators
Children who experience online victimization may not share personal details with their parent or guardian right away, but there are warning signs that can help identify a child who has faced a situation of online victimization. Parents and guardians should keep in mind that not all children are being groomed by older predators; children may have sexual encounters with peers and older teens. However, any adult seeking a sexual encounter with a minor is considered a predator. If a child comes to you with a disclosure of exploitation, reassure him or her that talking to an adult is the right action to take and divert any blame away from the victim.
Warning Signs of Grooming or Exploitation on Your Child
- Spends an excessive amount of time on the computer
- Becomes angry when he or she cannot get on the computer
- Withdraws from family and friends
- Minimizes the screen or turns off the monitor when you come into the room
- Inappropriate images or websites on the computer
- Strange phone numbers on your telephone bill
- Gifts in the mail from someone you don’t know, such as webcams or cell phones
Tips for Protecting Children from Predators
Help teach your children to identify predators’ methods for online enticement.
- Your child should NEVER meet face-to-face with anyone they first met online without your permission and/or attendance.
- Take an interest in your child’s online activities and know with whom he or she is communicating.
- Teach your child to refrain from talking about sex with anyone they meet online.
- Do not hesitate to ask questions, especially if your child is acting suspiciously.
- Teach your child not to reveal personal information.
- Approve all photos and videos before your child posts them online. Make sure they do not reveal identifying information and are not sexually provocative or inappropriate.
- Look for warning signs. If you feel your child is in danger, make a report to www.cybertipline.com and contact your local law-enforcement agency immediately.
Discussion Starters
- What do you know about online predators?
- Have you ever met anyone online who asked you to meet face-to-face?
- What would/did you do if someone asked to meet you in person?
- Has anyone ever tried talking to you online about inappropriate or sexual things? What did you do?
- How might someone online try to gain your trust?
- Why might someone online want to gain your trust? What are the possible risks of trusting them?
- Why is it important that you come to me if someone makes you feel uncomfortable online?
Most of the content on this page comes from netsmartz.org. Check it out here for more information and/or resources.
