CYBER PREDATORS: Hunting from Afar
Like a deer in the woods hiding from a hunter, children on the internet need to know how to keep themselves safe from cyber predators. CYBER PREDATORS use the anonymity of the internet to target kids through social networking sites. Cyber predators, like hunters, stalk their "prey", vulnerable children and teens, and often seduce them, giving them attention, affection, and kindness. Cyber predators might even make plans to meet up with the children face-to-face.
All these behaviors make CYBER PREDATORS extremely dangerous to children. There are multiple, unfortunate stories about children who have been targeted by a predator, met face-to-face, and have been assaulted. Cyber predators have been known to harm children physically, emotionally, and sexually.
All these behaviors make CYBER PREDATORS extremely dangerous to children. There are multiple, unfortunate stories about children who have been targeted by a predator, met face-to-face, and have been assaulted. Cyber predators have been known to harm children physically, emotionally, and sexually.
Tips for Students on Staying Safe
1) Tell a trusted adult if anything happens online that makes you feel uncomfortable or frightened.
2) Choose a gender-neutral screenname that doesn't reveal personal information. NEVER reveal personal information (age, gender, location, etc) to anyone.
3) Stop any email communication or instant messages if the person begins asking too many personal questions and/or starts making sexual suggestions.
2) Choose a gender-neutral screenname that doesn't reveal personal information. NEVER reveal personal information (age, gender, location, etc) to anyone.
3) Stop any email communication or instant messages if the person begins asking too many personal questions and/or starts making sexual suggestions.
Tips for Parents on Protecting Progeny
1) Keep the line of communication open about what is going on online. Talk to your kids about the potential dangers online and sexual predators.
2) Follow age-limits for social networking sites. Similarly, young children should not have their own email or visit chat rooms. As they begin developing an online profile, keep close tabs on what they are doing.
3) Keep the internet access in a public room in the house, never in the child's bedroom. Always be aware of what your child is doing while being online, if possible, sit with them as they use it.
2) Follow age-limits for social networking sites. Similarly, young children should not have their own email or visit chat rooms. As they begin developing an online profile, keep close tabs on what they are doing.
3) Keep the internet access in a public room in the house, never in the child's bedroom. Always be aware of what your child is doing while being online, if possible, sit with them as they use it.
Tips for Teachers on Technology-Safe Techniques
1) Dedicate one entire class period about cyber safety, and what is going to happen online. Specify what activities are allowed and which aren't. Model appropriate online behavior.
2) Avoid students wandering around online. Select a few related sites and keep them on task. Watch what is happening on their screens to catch any inappropriate searches.
3) Find ways to incorporate safe social networking into the class. Use these technologies to enhance learning and to teach students proper ways to use these sites.
2) Avoid students wandering around online. Select a few related sites and keep them on task. Watch what is happening on their screens to catch any inappropriate searches.
3) Find ways to incorporate safe social networking into the class. Use these technologies to enhance learning and to teach students proper ways to use these sites.
For more information:
Please visit the following sites to find more information on keeping yourself, your family, and your students safe.
Tips for Parents and Students
FBI Tips for Parents
Tips for Teachers
Tips for Parents and Students
FBI Tips for Parents
Tips for Teachers