Vital Information

By [Orestez]

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It's important that kids are informed of the dangers of online predators!
So kids...have fun online, but be safe!

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The following are factual statistics about online predators and their potential victims



- Internet pedophiles are increasingly adopting counter-intelligence techniques to protect themselves from being traced (National Criminal Intelligence Service, 8/21/03).


- Forty percent of people charged with child pornography also sexually abuse children, police say. But finding the predators and identifying the victims are daunting tasks (Reuters, 2003).


- One in five children who use computer chatrooms has been approached over the Internet by pedophiles. (Detective Chief Superintendent Keith Akerman, Telegraph.co.uk January 2002 )


- 89% of sexual solicitations were made in either chat rooms or Instant Messages. (Pew Study reported in JAMA, 2001)


- 13 million youth use Instant Messaging. (Pew Study reported in JAMA, 6/01)


- 1 in 5 received sexual solicitation or approach in last year. (Online Victimization, NCMEC, June 2000)


- 1 in 33 received AGGRESSIVE sexual solicitation (asked to meet, called them via phone, sent mail, money or gifts). Online Victimization, NCMEC, June 2000)


- 25% of youth who received sexual solicitation told a parent. (Online Victimization, NCMEC, June 2000)


- 1 in 4 kids participate in Real Time Chat. (FamilyPC Survey, 2000)

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Instant Message & Chat Room Safety Tips

 
Never give out personal information (such as name, age, address, phone number, school, town, password, schedule, your picture) or fill out questionnaires or any forms online.

Never meet in person with anyone you have met online without Mom and/or Dad's presence.

Do not enter a chat room without Mom and/or Dad's presence or supervision. Some “kids” you meet in chat rooms may not really be kids; they may be adults with bad intentions. Remember, people may not be who they say they are.

Be suspicious of anyone who tries to turn you against your parents, teachers, or friends. They may have a hidden agenda.

Never respond to or send email or instant message to new people you meet online. Talk to your parents first so that they can check it out. Also, do not engage in an online conversation that makes you feel uncomfortable, log off and tell your parents. If you get such a message, DO NOT respond. Sending a response only encourages the person. Instead, show it to your parents and let them handle it.

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