While the Internet is a fabulous resource, it is important that children begin to develop safe Internet and computer habits early in order to avoid exposure to Internet pitfalls. Law enforcement, educators and healthcare professionals are all weighing in on the effects of prolonged Internet use and agree that young children should never be at the computer alone or spend long periods of time on the computer.

Kids are quick to dive into online games without paying attention to what they are playing, whom they are playing with and how long they play.  They log into websites using their real names and proceed to spend long periods of time playing.  By logging in, other players, including predators can see how long the child is online at that game.

Predators surf the net, including areas of multiplayer online gaming, chartrooms and social networking sites. An online predator is someone who seeks out victims on the Internet for either sexual or financial purposes. A screen name that continuously appears can signal that a person (possibly a child) is being unsupervised and therefore more vulnerable to outside influences.

This perception makes children more susceptible to grooming. Grooming is the term law enforcement uses to describe the process by which a predator tricks a victim into trusting him.  They will find ways to connect with the child and relate to his or her needs. Predators may seek out children that are having difficulty at school, with peers or family members.  They find things in common with the child to gain their trust.  Young children are quick to trust an adult that appears to be helping them.  This is what the predator is counting on.

Teaching children to avoid predators is essential to Internet safety. As a parent you can accomplish this by helping your child minimize their time online, steering children away from potentially dangerous sites where they can communication online with strangers, teaching children to tell an Adult they trust if contacted by an online stranger, and focusing on a child’s overall well-being.