Facebook, Myspace, Craigslist, chat rooms, instant messenger, discussion boards and email are all portals for online predators to seek out their potential victims. Many parents are in the dark when it comes to their kids and the Internet. There are so many social networks that kids use for communicating that it makes it difficult for parents to keep track of their activity.
Rob Nickel is a former Detective Sergeant with the Ontario Provincial Police Child Pornography Section. He is a cyber safety expert and author who travels’ the world conducting lectures and workshops to educate parents, teachers and children on Internet safety.
Suite 101 spoke with Nickel via telephone interview on April 24th. And he says that crimes against children by online predators are on the rise “…and that’s why parents need to take control over what their children can and cannot access on the Net.”
Nickel offers these tips on what to look for and what to do in order to stay safe.
Keep the Computer Out of Your Child’s Bedroom
Nickel says that kids who have computers in their room are more susceptible to online predators. “I’m amazed at how many kids have an Internet connection in their rooms. There is no way to monitor fully what your kids’ activity is. That in itself tells me that when the computer is in the bedroom, there is a much higher chance of kids being victimized.”
Monitor Your Child’s Internet Activity
Parents need to get more involved with what their kids are doing online. “Kids shouldn’t be spending all their time on the computer. Set a time limit. I’m a big believer in using software programs like McGruff SafeGuard, that filter sites and monitors activity. These programs are available for parents to download. It allows parents to review their kids’ activities and to be notified of any suspicious messages through email or cell phone alerts.”
Communicate with Your Children about Internet Danger
Nickel stresses the importance of talking to your kids about how dangerous the Internet can be. “Let your kids know that they can come to you when something they saw on the Internet or when something is said makes them feel uncomfortable. So many kids are being threatened online that it’s imperative to let your kids know they can come to you.”
Be Aware of Who Your Child Chats with Online
Online predators prowl the Internet for potential victims. According to Nickel, they know exactly who and what to look for. “Sometimes I find it’s the good kids who are easily targeted because they’re so trusting and it’s easy to start up a relationship. Predators read online profiles that more often than not reveal too much information. The fact is your kid could be chatting with anybody because all we have to judge them by is how they type – not by body language. So they’re imagination runs wild.”
It is a parents’ worst nightmare to think their child is being harmed. And the reality that danger is just one keystroke away shows how essential it is that parents take the necessary precautions to keep their children safe from online predators.
Rob Nickel has appeared on Oprah and Dr. Phil speaking on the dangers of online predators. He is the founder of Cyber-Safety.com a resource site that provides links and information on how to keep children safe while surfing the Net.
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