LEARN HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD FROM ONLINE PREDATORS.

Compared to the real world, the internet is an anonymous place. People can pretend to be someone they’re not, and if they want, hide their true identity. This can pose a real danger to children and teenagers who go online. Online predators often try to lure children into sexual conversations over the internet or even convince them to meet them in person. In some cases, online predators ask kids to send them pictures of themselves or send children obscene material.

It is essential that you teach your child to be on their guard whenever they use the internet. Online predators are a real threat to your child, which is why at The Dragonfly House Children’s Advocacy Center, we recommend the following guidelines to help your child stay safe online:

• Although most people are nice, tell your child to be aware of flattery from someone they don’t know.

• Tell your child to refrain from talking to anyone over the internet who gets too personal too quickly. Once your child gets pulled into a relationship, it can be harder to put an end to the communication.

• Remind your child that not everyone on the internet is who they say they are. Many online predators pretend to be children or teenagers.

If you think your child has been contacted by an online predator, act quickly. Our children’s advocacy center can provide resources and support through our mission to put an end to child abuse in our local community.