The Dangerous Six

Listed below are six signs that your child has been involved with online danger. Use these as a guide and not a solid rule. Each child is an individual and each case is unique. Predators succeed by evolving. They learn from your mistakes.

Unsupervised time on the Internet. The predator is most successful at approaching your child in the evening. If your child has access to the internet in the evening then they have an increased probability to encounter a sexual predator. The logic is that most predators work during the day, and most child are in school during the day. So, the evening is the prime time for contact between your child and the predator. If your son or daughter is online and unsupervised in the evening, then their risk of Internet crime is greatest.

Your child closes the computer screen when you are present. If your child suddenly turns off the computer, minimizes the screen, or tries to distract you from their activity- be alerted. They are viewing content they know you would not approve. Do not overlook this behavior. Research the website they closed from you. Your filtering software will have the instructions on how to do this. If you discover the website was porn or any topic that was inappropriate contact your ISP and follow their instructions.

You find pornography on a disk. Your child is adept at hiding a file. They have learned this skill at school. One of the first techniques taught to your child in their computer class at school is how to save a file. Most children will save their porn on a disk/cd. This can be put in a drawer away from the common area, and this is usually what the child does. Even if you have not explicitly explained to them the dangers of online porn your child knows that what they are doing is wrong. They underestimate the danger, but they are aware that when they engage in online porn that their parents would not approve. Your job as a parent is to audit their disks. If you find porn on a disk immediately talk to your child.

Your child has changed their passwords. When a child changes their passwords they are preventing you from entering their new world. They have information that they want hidden from the common area. Once you have retrieved the new password, search through deleted emails. If their deleted folder is empty, search in the trash bin of your computer. If your child has emptied the trash bin notify your ISP. They have the technology to trace deleted information.

Your child changes their behavior. When children do something they perceive as wrong their behavior will change. Depending on the personality of your child the signs will be unique to them. A usually outgoing, talkative child might become quiet. Your quiet unassuming child might become more emotional. Regardless of the personality of your child they do become curious and they get lured into situations that make them uncomfortable. If your child has viewed online porn or has initiated a talk with an Internet predator, their behavior will reflect this. It may be subtle and they might make up all types of reasons why they are behaving this way, but you must determine if it is normal fluctuations of growing up or something more serious. It is never wrong to grill your child on their change in behavior. It is far better to error on the side of scrutiny than regret.

You feel off center. I have never underestimated that little voice inside that tells me something is off center. I have ignored this voice countless times, and thankfully, nothing serious ever happened to my children. But, the voice was there. It is easy to dismiss the feeling that something just does not seem balanced. With all of the concrete problems that a parent faces each day with their children, such as homework, laundry, chores, dinner, or general conflict, it is easy to dismiss the intangible. But, if after the day has ended and the nagging feeling that something is off does not go away, do not ignore this voice. Do some investigating. Even if you discover your little voice was something as simple as your son or daughter corresponding with a friend they never told you about, at least you will be comforted in the knowledge that they are safe.

These six danger signs that your child is in Internet danger are provided to guide you in keeping your child safe. These are not the only signals that are possible. Keep a close watch on your child’s Internet travels and their probability Internet attack will be lessened.