June is National Internet Safety Month, an important observance in today’s technology-savvy world. As a parent of a teenager myself, I find this issue to be extremely relevant. With social networks rapidly attracting a younger age demographic, child abuse online is increasing. In 2009, CalVCP received 13,580 applications involving child abuse, including underage victims who met their predator online. Research shows online abuse can quickly lead to in-person interactions since many internet offenders disguise their age and then invite children into their home. These offenses are why CalVCP is committed to spreading awareness to keep children safe from online abuse.
Last week a headline came across my desk that caught my attention, “7 charged in gang rape of 2 minors in Santa Paula [Southern California].” Upon further reading, I discovered that these men met the minors online, through a social networking website. Many teens are willing to meet with strangers. 16 percent of teens considered meeting someone they've only talked to online and eight percent have actually met someone they only knew online. 52 percent of teens have given out personal information online to someone they don't know offline including personal photos and/or physical descriptions of themselves (Enough.org).
I find these statistics quite frightening. It’s why this month CalVCP encourages all parents and guardians to be diligent and learn how to protect our children from becoming victims of internet crimes. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has suggestions for the best ways to protect and monitor a computer-savvy minor. Here are some of their tips:
As we observe National Internet Safety Month, we will be posting internet safety tips on our Twitter and Facebook pages. Let us continue to be cautious and keep our children safe from online predators and bullies. I encourage you to learn how to use social media, so you understand how these platforms are being exploited to hurt children. I hope you and your children will continue to make safe choices online.
Last week a headline came across my desk that caught my attention, “7 charged in gang rape of 2 minors in Santa Paula [Southern California].” Upon further reading, I discovered that these men met the minors online, through a social networking website. Many teens are willing to meet with strangers. 16 percent of teens considered meeting someone they've only talked to online and eight percent have actually met someone they only knew online. 52 percent of teens have given out personal information online to someone they don't know offline including personal photos and/or physical descriptions of themselves (Enough.org).
I find these statistics quite frightening. It’s why this month CalVCP encourages all parents and guardians to be diligent and learn how to protect our children from becoming victims of internet crimes. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has suggestions for the best ways to protect and monitor a computer-savvy minor. Here are some of their tips:
- If you have reason to suspect your child is viewing inappropriate sites, do not overact. Approach your children with respect.
- Always maintain access to your child's online account and frequently check his/her account.
- Teach your children about responsible use of the resources on the Internet.
- Instruct your children never to arrange face-to-face meetings with someone they met online and not to respond to messages or bulletin board postings that are suggestive, obscene, or harassing.
- Tell your children to NEVER give out identifying information such as name, address, school name or telephone number to people they don't know.
As we observe National Internet Safety Month, we will be posting internet safety tips on our Twitter and Facebook pages. Let us continue to be cautious and keep our children safe from online predators and bullies. I encourage you to learn how to use social media, so you understand how these platforms are being exploited to hurt children. I hope you and your children will continue to make safe choices online.