The Essence of Monitoring Children Online

Written by Delores

An online presence can open the door to a whole new world of opportunities for learning, fact-gathering, and social networking. Our horizons are broadened and we learn about different cultures and ways of life. The fast paced world we live in today has several advantages and disadvantages; which could also be dangerous. There are people out there whose intent is to cause harm and sexually exploit children. People may befriend minors and seem kind, affectionate, and caring; however, their goal is to trick children to trust them.

Protect children from online predators, by teaching them these important safety precautions:

• Never arrange a face to face meeting with someone you met on-line.
• Never upload or post pictures of yourself on the Internet or on an online service where people you do not personally know will have access to them.
• Never give out identifying information such as your name, home address, school name or telephone number.
• Never download pictures from an unknown source or that are sent from people who you do not personally know.
• Never respond to messages or bulletin board postings that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, or harassing.
• Realize that things you are told on-line by people you do not personally know may or may not be true.

According to a recent study:

• 40% of the teenage girls surveyed said they had experienced sexual advances online.
• 25% of the girls said they had met someone in person after first meeting them on the Web.
• 55% of adolescent Internet users have or are currently using social networking web sites.