For The Parent--Internet Safety

Internet Safety Tips:

• There are individuals who attempt to exploit children through the use of the Internet. Some of these individuals become familiar with their targets through the use of attention, kindness, affection and gifts. They devote a lot of time, money and energy into convincing their targets that they are there to listen to their problems and help them work the problems out. Once they gain the child's confidence they may ask the child to meet them, send them pornographic material, or ask for pictures of the children
  
• Parents should remind children that a computer internet sex offender can be ANY age, ANY gender, and are very good at pretending they are the child's age; they are well versed in the
  hobbies and musical tastes of the children they are targeting.

Signs that your child may be at risk:

• Your child spends large amounts of time on-line especially at night.

• You find pornography on your children's computer.

• Your child receives phone calls or makes long-distance calls to people you don't recognize.

• Your child receives gifts, mail, or packages from people you don't know.

• Your child turns off the computer monitor or changes the screen quickly when you come into the room.

What can a PARENT DO?

• Monitor your child's access to all types of on line communication: chat rooms, instant messages, and e-mail. Potential sex offenders almost always meet potential victims via chat rooms. After meeting the child on-line, they continue to communicate via e-mail.
  
• Keep the lines of communication open with your child. They should be comfortable bringing problems to you, and not fear being scolded.
  
• Spend time with your children on-line and let them show you their favorite places on the Internet.
  
• Keep the computer in a common area in the house, not in your child's bedroom. The computer screen should be visible to you as you walk by.
  
• Randomly check your child's e-mail.

Understand that even if your child was a willing participant of exploitation, he/she is not at fault- but rather a victim. The offender always bears the complete responsibility for his or her actions.

If you feel your child has been a victim call your local police department, and if possible, bring copies of the offensive material and e-mail addresses.

The FBI publishes a pamphlet concerning
Crimes Against Children Program
935 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Room 11163
Washington, DC 20535

Internet Safety

For children:

• Just as you would stay away from strangers on the street, you have to be careful about talking to strangers on the internet.

• If anyone uses nasty language or mentions things that make you feel uncomfortable, DO NOT ANSWER. Tell someone. If you know how to save messages, hit the save button, print it out and give to an adult.

• Never give your real last name, telephone number or address to anyone! If anyone asks you for this information DO NOT ANSWER. Tell an adult. Sometimes a strange adult will pretend to be a child your age and ask a lot of questions. They may ask what school you attend, do you play sports, what is the name of your team; etc. Even though you never specifically tell them your address... they may be able to figure out where you live from other information that you gave

• Never agree to meet someone you talked with on the Internet. Tell an adult immediately if you are asked.

• There are places on the Internet which are meant for ADULTS ONLY. If you accidentally get to one of those sites, leave! Sometimes it may not be easy close those sites. In these cases, you can disconnect from the internet.