The Internet can be a great tool for learning about new and exciting ideas. Within just a matter of minutes or seconds your child can be exposed to a wealth of information on any topic under the sun. But there are also dangers associated with the Internet that you should be aware of. Exposure to pornography is a very real danger of allowing children to use the Internet alone. Children most often come across pornographic websites as a result of a misspelled word or by looking up innocent information. Once they are exposed to the material, this can lead to a long-term addiction and a lifetime of problems. Worse yet, many pornographers target children by placing their material on expired domains and on domains with common phrases that children look up.
But the dangers of the Internet go way beyond pornography. While the Internet is a tool for education and communication for us, it is a tool of manipulation for pedophiles. Online access can provide a pedophile with unlimited freedom to pursue their addictions and perpetuate their crimes.
Traditionally, people think of pedophiles approaching kids at schoolyards or parks. But the Internet is opening up a whole new venue by which they can victimize children. They can approach their victims without even leaving their hours and use devious psychology and manipulation to turn children against their parents.
The anonymity of the Internet can be a haven for child predators. There is danger in allowing your child to freely communicate with whomever they encounter. Children may believe that they are speaking with someone they trust, but unless they know that person in real life it is hard to tell.
The Internet has created open and unlimited access for pedophiles to approach children. Never before has it been so easy for these criminals to approach their victims. They can also communicate with each other more frequently. This means they are sharing secrets for manipulating children and becoming better at bringing their sick fantasies into reality.
Unfortunately, child molestation and exploitation exists in every economic, social, ethnic and religious group. The Internet has made this problem even more rampant and the danger to children has been escalated. Because of the anonymous nature of the Internet, pedophiles can hide behind screen names and fake identities to gain the trust of children and manipulate them. They can also exchange child pornographic material, which fuels their desire to molest.
Although there are laws in place that criminalize child pornography and sexual manipulation online, it can be hard to tell if your child is encountering this type of treatment online.
Over 25% of children online use real time chat websites. Close to 13 million kids use instant messaging systems. Both of these Internet venues are popular with pedophiles. You can take steps to protect your children by limiting their access to chat rooms and e-mail, as well as the Internet in general. 89% of sexual solicitation is through chat rooms or instant messages. E-mail solicitations are also common. If you eliminate this aspect of your child’s online activity then you can reduce their exposure to this danger.
