Keeping Kids Safe on the Internet

The biggest trick some child predators' are using these days is to pretend to be a kid, in a kid site chat room.

Child predators are talking the lingo, misspelling words, having simple conversations to gain trust with children on the internet.

But do you really know just how fast they can find information about your child or your family?

This is one website every parent must see:

http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/ceos/index.html

Scroll down to the bottom and you will see a section called

Interactive Tools

Then click on the link

'What Can Be Revealed in Minutes About Your Child Online'

It is a downloadable tutorial that shows parents and kids just how someone can search for information about you or your child, if they frequent chat rooms, or send out any type of posts on the internet.

It shows you how a stranger on the internet can find out EVERYTHING about your child in about 45 minutes, with even the smallest piece of information to start with.

Here is the direct url for the tutorial:

http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/ceos/Multimedia/NCMEC%20Video%202.exe

So what will a child abductor do with this information?

Even if they do not know what your child looks like, they can wait for them to come home from school, call them by name, call them on the phone.

And if they walk home from school, they can come in contact with them en route back home.

Without a doubt, the most dangerous of all? ...you might not even know if your child is being stalked by a person like this.

Here are some tips to safeguard your child against these types of individuals:

1. Just like TV, video games, or watching movies, you shouldn't let your child have free reign of the computer any time they like.

Have a central family computer space (keep it out of their rooms if there is an internet hook-up) By making use of the computer as a family affair, parents can keep a close eye on who they are interacting with.

2. Make sure you know who they are chatting with online and tell them exactly why you're concerned. Just like you want to meet their friends, get to know who they are talking to online.

tip - Kids are smart these days. They know there are nasty people in our society. Be open with them about your concerns and tell them you love them and You don't want anything happening to them. That way when you do get 'nosey cozy' every time they're online, it's not a shock to their system.

Tell your child under no circumstances should they give out their name, address, phone #, or where they go to school over the internet.

tip - It's natural for a kid to want to talk about those things. That's what makes up their day. Help them fight the urge by working with your child on 'safe' topics to chat about; movies, music, current events, even what they are learning in school. But nothing personal.

4. Have them tell you if there are any conversations that make them feel uncomfortable and to not believe anyone they chat with when they type in "Don't Tell Your Mom or Dad..." That's a big flag. Have them tell you about it.

5. Chatting kids should know never to meet ANYONE off of the internet without checking with their parents first, whether in a separate chat room or in person. They must have a parent along and meet in a public place.

6. Tell your child they should NEVER send a picture to anyone, without your permission.

Talk with your child about setting rules for going online (time of day, length of time) and what sites and chat rooms are OK to visit. And what would happen if they break those rules.

Working together, parents and kids can make the internet informative and fun, just don't make it easy for a child predator to find them.

Michelle Annese is a 3rd degree black belt with 15+ years experience teaching industry specific self defense and safety for women and children. She is author of 'the Realtor Survival Guide", 'Protection for Women', and 'The SafeGuard System for Kids'. For more information on how to protect yourself and your family go to http://www.michelleannese.com and check out other articles and sign up for a free safety tips e-newsletter.

---

How to Find The Best Time To Be With Your Kids

"Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing... Read More

The Legend and Charm of The Tooth Fairy

The legend and myth of the Tooth Fairy is a... Read More

How To Teach Children Loyalty and Dependability

Individualism is a common thing in today's modern society. Many... Read More

The Real Dangers to Kids Online and How to Avoid Them: Top 5 Internet Safety Tips

The Real Dangers to Kids Online and How to Avoid... Read More

A Little Love, Please?

Article based on a friend's experienceI just wanted to share... Read More

Intermission: Wood Chips

I wanted to share with you one of the most... Read More

Is There Any Real Use For A Fun Quiz?

Q. I don't like my children spending so much time... Read More

Thirteen Values You Can Teach Through Homework

Are you a parent concerned about passing values on to... Read More

Kids, Chores & More

Are you a frustrated parent who sometimes finds it is... Read More

Top Three Ways To Communicate With Your Child

Although many parents become frustrated as they try to maintain... Read More

Back to School Success: The Parents Job and the Students Job

Q. With another school year starting, we are not sure... Read More

Resilient, Confident Kids - 10 Ways to Promote Resilience in Children

Do your children have a McChildhood? Do they experience the... Read More

God Dont Like Rich People

I will never forget the day that my daughter's sixth... Read More

How To Foster An Environment For Successful Communications With Your Child

As parents, we strive to address all of the questions... Read More

Watch Your Language! - How Parents Can Help Kids Help Themselves

'I felt great until I walked into the classroom -... Read More

Exposing the Damage: TV and Kids

There are millions of young children in this country who... Read More

Fizzy Sherbet ? A Sweet Science Lesson for Your Kids!

Fizzy sherbet in a paper bag with a strawberry lollipop... Read More

Creating a Memorable Travel Journal Using A Stuffed Animal

You may remember The Red Couch Project, a book by... Read More

Teaching Problem Solving Skills to Children with ADHD

Even though the "Stop and Think" movement in ADHD treatment... Read More

Every Mom Worries

Sitterphobe "I never have a second to myself," this mother... Read More

Featured Article on Parenting: The Power of Belonging

Search for Assurance: The Power of BelongingThe job hunt is... Read More

Games Of The Past Meet The Present

Recently, our family had the opportunity to care for sisters'... Read More

From Go Fast Kids to Calm Kids

How excited do kids get with the start of school... Read More

War Declared On Instant Messenger: How to Stop Your Child from Wasting Their Life Away Online

Hey Parents! I hate to tell you, but there is... Read More

Stay at Home Mom You Need to Raise Cowboys

Now I know that is not how the song goes,... Read More

Parenting Your Teenager: The Power Struggle

Q: My husband and I are at a loss as... Read More

Consistent Boundaries Makes Discipline Easier

Homes should be run by parents, not children. So many... Read More

Preventing Obesity in Young Children

Do you have a young child whose weight or eating... Read More

Tools to Find Family-Friendly Content

The Internet, is magnificent in its resources for families. Educational... Read More

Simple Tricks To Help You And Your Kids To Find Friends

One of the most prevalent problems of the computer age... Read More

Parents - Create An Emotionally Healthy Connection With Your Child

"I could have helped you if I would have known,... Read More

A Call For Fathers

Dads, please let me encourage you to change some things... Read More

Are You Frustrated With Public Schools?

Join a growing number of parents and teachers!Fact: Last year,... Read More