Do not let you or your family members become victims of online predators. Use the following guidelines to prevent online predators from harming you and your family.

 

Identify signs of predatory behavior

Online predators can display certain behaviors that will seem odd to the careful observer. Their goal is to get to know you quickly, and their manner is often overly friendly or familiar early in the relationship. They are impatient and push for affection, quickly getting frustrated with rejection. A strong warning sign is an online contact who wants to meet a minor in person.

Be cautious of offers by strangers

Online predators often try to gain trust by offering gifts or tempting offers of kindness. Always be aware of gifts offered to minors. Adults also need to be careful of offers that seem unearned or inappropriate. The intentions behind gifts may not be genuine.

Educate friends about online safety

You can take many precautions to create greater online safety for your friends and family. Instruct loved ones to never use their real names in a chat room. In addition, tell them never to divulge any personal information about themselves, including their ages or contact information, such as an address or phone number.

Above all else, never under any circumstances reveal your private user names or passwords to anyone, even if you know the person.

Monitor your children on the internet

Parents and guardians should always monitor what their children are doing on the Internet. Children need to be protected from inappropriate websites and potential online predators. It is always recommended that a parent or guardian be present when a child is visiting online sites.

Know what sites your child visits

It is important to know what sites your child visits. If you cannot be present in person to monitor their online activities, it is a good idea to track the sites they have visited by viewing their browser history. You can also buy special software that monitors your children’s computer habits and website history.

Block access to inappropriate websites

Be sure to block any website you find unsuitable for your child, including adult content sites and message boards where minors unknowingly interact with adults.

Monitor chat history

There are also programs parents can buy that track and monitor your child’s chat room activities. These programs can instantly flag and call your attention to common issues in chat rooms such as inappropriate language or images.