CYBER TIPS FOR
KEEPING YOUR CHILDREN SAFE
Would You Allow a Sexual Predator Inside
Your Child's Bedroom?
You may be doing exactly that! If your
child has a telephone and computer with Internet access in their bedroom
this could be happening, regardless of how good a parent you are. If you
don't know what your child is doing in the privacy of their bedroom get
involved now! Did you know sexual predators are participating in conversations
in your child's special interest chat rooms? It's a great way for these
predators to learn about your child. Remember, the sexual predator's nature
is to build a trusting relationship with your child because the predator
doesn't have any rules or morals. They don't have to be truthful about
their identity and they usually aren't.
Parenting and computing
Every child likes the idea of being
independent, but don't think you shouldn't monitor your child's activity.
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Ask them to talk with you about the
Internet and show you what they already know.
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Share an email account with your child.
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Talk to your child about people online.
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Share their learning experiences.
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Don't ever allow children to meet anyone
in person they've met on the Internet.
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Remind them that the person may not
be who they purport to be.
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Tell them not to give out information
about themselves or family.
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Do not allow your child to send photos
online.
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Place the computer in a central location
for family use, not in the child's bedroom.
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Keep trust in your child's relationship
so they feel comfortable with telling you about embarrassing situations
they may have encountered.
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Notify the Ada County Sheriff's Office
if you think you've witnessed anything criminal.
Educate Yourself About the Internet
The Internet, like a huge city, is filled
with crime as well as great places to visit and things to do. There are
even free programs to download and use. The fact that crimes are committed
on the Internet is not a reason to avoid Internet usage. A variety of people
are online right now. Most are people just like you with similar interests.
But again, like any large city there are those who are undesirable. This
is where your education and experience can help you avoid those situations
and allow you to still enjoy your online experience.
Be sure to read Shannon's
Story
Parent Warning Signs:
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Your child spends large amounts of time
on line
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Child closes computer screen when you
approach
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Meets you at the bedroom doorway when
you approach
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More telephone calls than usual
Resources available to you:
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