They lurk in the shadows of the Internet searching for their next victim. They
come from all walks of life and can be anybody they want to be, the monitor is their mask.
Predators come in many forms and prey on unsuspecting innocent individuals, our children.
There are specific phases the Internet predator goes through in selecting his
or her victim; these steps can take place over a few days or several months.
At first, the predator makes contact with the child, verifying all information
placed on their profile; full name, school, city or town, and state. A search is performed on the Internet by the predator
to gather as much information as possible. If a picture of the child is posted, the predator will save the photo to his or
her computer to use in identifying the child. They will then start questioning the teen about their family dynamics;
how many siblings they have, if they live with both parents, if they are alone after school, and may even take the questioning
as far as who checks the mail and walks the family pet.
** Never
post personal information online; name, age, address, school, school colors, places
you frequent, phone or cell phone numbers, IM account, and photos. Never discuss or post family dynamics;
number of family members, what hours are spent alone, and family problems.
Now the predator starts to build a trusting relationship by encouraging their
young victim to keep the relationship a secret and convinces them that no one will understand their relationship or that the
child would get in trouble if anyone ever found out. They may ask if they want to learn some “cool” things,
a tactic to teach children how to bypass parental controls and monitoring software. They teach them to manipulate chat
software to hide screen names on their buddy list or make them appear differently, and to erase emails and attachments.
** Adults have nothing in common with
children they meet online. Being asked to keep the relationship secret is a sure sign that they do not have good intentions. Keep
in mind it is not the teen they are trying to protect, it is them selves. Never keep secrets about
an online relationship. Never delete or manipulate anything on your computer. Predators use this tactic to cover
their tracks.
The predator moves quickly after the trust is established and begins to
introduce the child to pornography via email or instant messenger. It is an attempt to break down the child’s inhibitions
and convince the child that this behavior is normal and acceptable. The predator will discuss specific acts that will be performed
should there be a face to face meeting or what acts he or she would like the child to perform; step by step masturbation lessons
begin and will continue either in chat or on web cam.
** Never open emails or accept photos
from people you meet online. Do not accept any web cam invitations or discuss anything that is inappropriate and
makes you feel uncomfortable. Never send photos of yourself to anyone you have met online.
During the online relationship the predator will encourage the child to have
offline contact via telephone where he or she will continue to discuss inappropriate acts or make
contact via cell phone where the “sexting” process will begin.
** Do not give your
phone or cell phone number to anyone you meet online. Never contact anyone that provides you with their numbers.
When calls are made, the phone or cell number will be displayed on caller ID. This can provide the predator with enough
information to find your location.
A possible face to face meeting may be arranged; at the
home of the child, the predators home, a public place, a hotel room or a secluded area where the predator can follow
through with his criminal intent.
**Never meet anyone face to face that you have met online. If
they are a teen and want to meet face to face; include your parents in that meeting and arrange to meet at a local Police
Department.
Predators have become more skilled in attempting to attract children;
in chat rooms, social entertainment networks, (i.e. virtual worlds), and other types of Massive Multiplayer Online Games (MMOG).
Pedophiles are cunning and very experienced at manipulating our children. They surf the Internet 24 hours a day looking for
under age users; they befriend and groom their victim before the sexual conversations begin.
The fact is, teenagers are getting into more trouble online than younger
children. They explore, reach out to others besides their friends and classmates, and unfortunately, they are often preyed
upon by predators.
** As parents and educators it is important to understand
the tactics used to lure our young. It is also equally important for us to recognize the dangers that plague our children.
Teach your children the warning signs and how to better protect themselves. Education and
awareness is the key! Speak openly and honestly. Please keep in mind that even if your child is an active participant,
they are not at fault.
