Guide For Internet Safety For Kids

By Tim Tofting

Listed below are four signs that you need to look out for keep your teenager out of trouble. If any of these signs apply to your child, you will want to take action right away.

They Get on the Computer at the Same Time Everyday: Teenagers and children can easily become targets of online child predators, many parents don't realize this. Many also do not realize that this process doesn't always happen overnight. They create profiles that makes them look younger than they actually are, this makes it easier for them to contact their targets. They groom their targets gaining their trust before they try to arrange a physical meeting. This can take a few days or a few weeks. You can spot the telltale signs if your teenager seems to be talking to the same person at the same time every day. If your child follows this pattern it is a good sign that someone is communicating with them on a regular basis.

They Are Secretive When They Use the Computer: Is your child acting any differently while they are on the Internet? But they try to be very secretive and hideaway what's they are doing when they are on Internet? If they close down their computer or hide away their screen, this is a telltale sign that they are doing something that they shouldn't be. This is a good sign that your child may be doing something they shouldn't be doing online, like having direct, personal conversations with a stranger, who may be a child predator.

They Are Very Happy When Getting Off the Computer: If your child is overly happy when they sign off the internet, they may be on the path to trouble. This sign can be a little bit tricky though. Your child may be happy because they just finished a long school project, but you honestly never know. If your teenager is communicating with someone online, they may be in the process of starting a relationship, which they are happy about. Unfortunately, many teenagers do not realize that anyone can hide behind a computer. That is why it is important that you talk to your child about the dangers of starting an online romance.

Your Child May Seem Depressed: As stated above, when using the Internet your child may seem very happy, but one other telltale sign is when they come of their computer they seemed depressed. What many parents do not realize is that other teenagers use the internet for harassment. If your teenager has a falling out with one of their friends, they may find themselves being harassed online. If that has happened, they may seem withdrawn or depressed.

All the signs are just a few of the pressures your child could be under, so make sure you keep an eye on them and stop any harassment as soon as you can. - 30201

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