NCJ Number
192631
Journal
Law Enforcement Quarterly Volume: 30 Issue: 3 Dated: Winter 2001 Pages: 29-35
Date Published
2001
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article advises parents on how to prevent and address child victimization over the Internet.
Abstract
The Internet is a powerful tool for learning and can also be a source of wrongdoing. The Internet can be a source of pornography, molestation, fraud, harassment, and access to illegal activities. A program being created by the San Diego, CA, District Attorney’s Office will educate the public, parents, teachers, and community leaders about online dangers to children and how to prevent online crimes against children. The program also aims to protect children and youth from such crimes, increase the level of reporting, and help youth and families learn safe techniques for using the Internet. Chat rooms are probably the most dangerous area of the Internet; the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reports that 89 percent of sexual solicitations of children online occur by instant messaging or in chat rooms. Experts report that adolescents are especially at risk. The best way for parents to protect children is to educate themselves about the Internet, stay in touch with what their children are doing online, and apply the same parenting skills and guidance used in other areas to the Internet. Signs of potential risk online include spending large amounts of time online, especially in chat rooms and especially at night, having pornography on the computer, receiving telephone calls from strangers or making telephone calls to them, and behavioral changes. Parental educational and involvement are the most important elements in protecting children online. Photographs and list of suggestions for parents