Protect Your Child Online

Child trafficking is the act of recruiting, transferring, transporting, harboring, and sometimes, even abducting children for the sole purpose of exploiting them. Child trafficking is a very serious crime. Any crime committed against children is a heinous crime.

Children are becoming the subject of crimes more and more these days. Child abductions, such as in the case of Madeleine McCann, are getting very common. Madeleine McCann is a three-year old British girl who disappeared while having a vacation along with her family in Portugal. Basing from the police’s investigation, it was clear that Madeleine has been abducted.

Children, as young as Madeleine, were getting kidnapped. And child traffickers are the primary suspects of such crimes. Child traffickers work in ways that confuse police officers. And through it, they were able to do cruel things to innocent children.

Their most common way of abducting children is by calling the household’s domestic worker and offering her large amounts in exchange of the child she takes care of. Some people don’t believe this to be happening. But it does.

In fact, the story circulating around the Internet about a mother, Chantel Hill, whose domestic helper had received anonymous calls to deliver one of her children to the child traffickers, is real. Story has it that Hill’s maid had received a call in July offering her a large sum for one of Hill’s children.

Thinking it was nothing but a prank call, the maid had paid no attention to it. Hill’s family moved to a new home two weeks after the main received call. Soon enough, the maid realized that the call she received prior wasn’t a hoax. The same person called her again, asking her where they had moved for there was nobody living in their old house anymore.

The shock was greater on the parent, Chantel Hill, when the maid reiterated the story to her. It frustrates her to know that even her own home is not safe from child traffickers and abductors. The caller who offered money for her one of her children had clearly had done some surveillance on her family. She knew where they lived, what time she leaves for work, and what mobile number her domestic worker own.

Indeed, child trafficking is one of society’s biggest problems. And so, both the parents and the government should work hand-in-hand to make sure that the safety of children is protected at all times.
 

Parents should be aware that there are too many child predators lurking online nowadays. And it is parents’ job, more than anybody else, to make sure that their kids are always safe when they surf the net.

To be more informed on how to safeguard our kids, here are the top 10 online hangouts of child predators you should learn about:

1. Social Networking sites. Right now, a lot of social networking sites are being accused of not having strict rules to ward off online predators away from their premises. Examples of popular social networking sites are MySpace and Facebook. These sites allow members to post their photos, send messages, and invite friends with the aim of building a social network.

2. Chat rooms. Predators love chat rooms. Inside chat rooms, they can actually talk and send pictures to another person. It can be remembered that Yahoo chat rooms have had made some major overhaul because of the presence of private chat rooms with adult themes.

3. Emails. Yes, there could be crooks in your kid’s emails. Make sure that you sort out your kid’s mails. Warn them against answering emails that were sent by somebody they don’t know.

4. Online Job Sites. Do you know that there are child predators advertising their services over the net? They do it discreetly though. Don’t let your child walk into a predator’s home applying as a babysitter.

5. Game Rooms. Where else would there be lots of children other than game rooms? Don’t let your children’s personal information stay in the database of online game rooms. Some unscrupulous individuals may have easy access to them.

6. Auction Sites. Don’t blink your eye in disbelief. There are a lot of commodities for sale in auction sites. Unknowingly, crooks are selling their wares on the Internet too. Never agree to the idea of your kids meeting up with somebody to buy an item.

7. Forums. Some forums are made especially to discuss kid’s stuff. And child predators can masquerade as a kid and register. Tell your kids to be wary of the people they meet in online forums.

8. Blog sites. Blog sites are sites that allow you to create a web page full of your ideas, thoughts, and observations. Some online child predators can be very creative in enticing children to come to their site on a regular manner.

9. Photo sharing sites. Don’t be proud to see your kid’s pictures on the Internet. Somebody else might just be taking interest in those as well. Tell your kids not to post their photos anywhere public.

10. Video and audio sharing site. Are you a fan of videos sites like YouTube? Be careful in posting your own videos, especially the ones that has your kids in it. Somebody you don’t know could download them and share with others. You could be exposing your kids to online child predators without your knowledge.

UNICEF is actively doing its job in protecting children against dangerous elements. Just recently, they have released a children’s protection handbook that aims to set some standards when it comes to writing and reporting news about children. The handbook was created to reinforce the standards that were supposed to be followed, but long since forgotten, by the media.

UNICEF had published the handbook so children will not be subjected to journalists who fail to practicing ethics when they go after their stories. The handbook is crafted so well that it should be used when reporting about any individual or group, regardless whether they are children or not. Read the rest of this entry »

Recent news stories had disclosed that the probability of child-sex tourism is on the high again in South Africa. The most likely reason for this is the upcoming Soccer World Cup Series, which will be held in 2010. South Africa has always been in the watch list for child sex tourism. And in the anticipation of this major sports event, more cases of child-sex tourism are expected.

Child-sex tourism is referred to as the commercial sexual abuse or exploitation of children aged below 18 years old. The perpetrators of such crimes are the men and women who travel the around world seeking children as sexual partners. They usually live from one city to another and doesn’t stay in one place for long. These people normally come from wealthier countries and attack marginalized children. Read the rest of this entry »

Child pornography is one of the most evil forms of human corruption that exist.  While steps are being taken to curb it, there are still millions of children worldwide falling victims to this practice, either as participants or unwilling spectators.  An appalling fact is that your children could be exposed to it each time they go online.  The danger is always there but there are steps you can take to make sure that your children are protected against online child pornography. 

Know the threat.
The best way to protect your children from online child pornography is to know the different kinds of threats they will be facing on the web.  Some of the major ones include:
- Sexual predators who sexually approach children through e-mails and chat messages
- People who use sexually explicit language to communicate with your children
- E-mail and chat messages containing links to sites containing child pornography
- E-mail messages that contain images of child pornography

Install software designed to protect from online threats.
Other than good anti-virus software, use anti-spyware and filtering software on your computer.  These types of software will help block inappropriate content and keep your child from viewing them.

Monitor your child’s use of the internet.
Today’s blocking software have become increasingly sophisticated but they are by no means perfect.  You still have to implement strict parental controls over your child’s use of the internet and on what types of materials he is exposed to. 

Take note of any change in your child’s behavior.
Children exposed to online child pornography often exhibit changes in behavior.  They usually spend more and more time in front of the computer, are secretive about their activities especially online or become more withdrawn.  You might also find materials of pornographic nature on their computer.

If these changes in behavior don’t seem to have an apparent cause, don’t write it off as just a ‘phase’.  Talk to your children and listen to what they have to say.  If they are being actively targeted for exposure to child pornography, they will probably tell you.  If not, actively check on their online activities.

Educate yourself and your child.
The only way you can completely protect your children from online child pornography is to keep them from using the computer – something that is impossible to do.  The better, more effective way would be to keep lines of communication open between you and your children so you can have honest discussions about the threats they face online.  The more informed they are, the better they can make decisions about their factors affecting their safety.

The feeling of watching your kids go online for the first time is like the feeling you have when you first give them the keys to your car.  You feel good that they are exploring new horizons on their own but you also have the feeling that maybe, just maybe, you should be right there with them on the passenger’s seat.  But unlike driving, you’ll need to be a trusted party in order to at least take a peek at the virtual world your kids are currently moving in.  Here are ways you can gain your kid’s trust so you can protect them online.

Impose the rules.
With younger kids, you will have to lay down the law.  You are still the parent.  It is your job to protect your kids from online predators and bullies.  Begin by doing what you can to ensure your kids are safe – install security software, implement parental settings on your computer and monitor your kid’s online activities. 

Kids are more likely to trust you if you let them know what rules they should follow and if it is clear to them what your goals are.  If you ever impose any form of restriction or punishment, they will understand why.

Draw the line.
Agree on what’s private and what’s not.  If you snoop around too much, your child will resent it.  You can ask to view your child’s profile or even read his blog but if there are certain areas considered ’sacred’, it’s probably okay to step back.  That is, provided you have already laid down the law about communicating with other people online.

Agree on the terms.
Kids will trust you more if you show that you respect their views.  Tell them what your purpose is and what you believe is a safe thing to do.  Don’t insult their intelligence.  There’s a good chance your kids are probably more technologically well-versed than you are. 

Instead of lecturing them on what to do, tell them about your concerns about the internet’s safety then ask them what you should do to help protect them online.  Let them know what your terms are and allow them to discuss certain issues with you.  You will have to negotiate, but stand your ground.  Your kids are more likely to open up to your suggestions if they see that you are not trying to prevent them from doing what they love.

According to  a supporting letter from InformationWeek, the popular online networking tool MySpace might be blamed for the rampant pedophilia and child pornography online. The articles, in particular, mention how United States law enforcement officials blame MySpace for its neglect of known sex offenders, who have set up MySpace accounts without being acted upon by MySpace officials.

According to the article, private groups investigated the presence of sex offenders in MySpace, and asserted how MySpace failed to come up with a list of these felons. However, MySpace has announced as well that it is working with a local security agency to make sure that sex offenders will no longer be allowed space on MySpace.

How MySpace has Revolutionized the Internet Arena

There are many networking facilities and websites online, but MySpace is undoubtedly one of the most popular. Through MySpace, users can add new friends to their lists, search through an online database for people with the same interests as they, and connect with people throughout the world.

MySpace, however, also opens children or minors to sex offenders and sexual predators. The nature of MySpace’s format invites youngsters to post pictures and give information about themselves – information that might be advantageous to offenders and predators. Youngsters can share their interests and favorites through MySpace, and offenders and predators can exploit this knowledge and talk to children more intimately than before.

How MySpace and Other Groups are Helping to Curb this Danger

For its part, MySpace is still working with outside agencies to protect the interests and rights of children. Another group, MySpace Safety is working to educate parents about the potential dangers of MySpace and how these parents can protect their children from any potential danger that might arise from their children using MySpace.

For instance, MySpace safety provides facts about MySpace and how MySpace works in order for parents to be completely informed about how MySpace can be exploited. The safety group also provides information on what online tools are available to protect children. The group also gives information on how MySpace can be fun without being dangerous. It even provides tools for children and minors to use in making their profiles more fun.

MySpace can help people find friends, get connected, and even get hired. However, the proper precautions always have to be taken before using MySpace, especially where children are involved.

There are laws that protect children from online predators but it is still up to the parents to provide the first line of defense.  When kids begin exchanging e-mails, they increase their exposure online.  Although e-mails may be used to exchange useful information, they can also be a way for hackers, predators and even scammers to find your child.  Although this technology was created to allow people to communicate in a quicker and more convenient manner, it has also become a tool to hurt even young children.  There are several ways e-mail exchanges can pose a risk to your child’s safety.  These include:

Using e-mail exchanges to threaten
If your child is being targeted by bullies, e-mail can be used by peers to send insults or make fun of your child.  Kids can send threatening messages or spread mean stories to other kids.

Edited photographs meant to provoke laughs and insults may also be exchanged through e-mails, complete with hurting texts and labels.  The e-mail may not harm your child physically but it can destroy his self-esteem when kids start making fun of him in school.

When it is used as a lure
Many online child predators use e-mail exchanges to gain the trust of their intended victims.  While most of these predators immediately send sexually explicit invitations or materials, there are also some who will lure children gradually, using aliases to make them appear young. 

At first, these predators will chat up your child and talk about the same type of music, movies and interests most children your child’s age like.  They will pretend to be understanding, caring peers who will give advice and offer a sympathetic ear.  Pretty soon, your child will begin trusting this stranger and pouring out secrets and eventually, personal information.  The real danger begins when this predator begins stalking or manages to get your child to agree to meet him.

When it is used to corrupt
Your child’s safety may be placed at risk when e-mail exchanges involve pornographic or offensive material.  If children are not warned about the dangers of opening unsolicited e-mails or messages from children, they can easily be exposed unwittingly to content that is inappropriate for them. 

Some e-mails may even contain links to harmful websites that your child might click to.  These sites may also contain inappropriate content or malicious software that may be used later to obtain personal information about your child’s identity and location.  When uncontrolled and unmonitored, e-mail exchanges can pose very real risks for your child, which can even extend to include your whole family. 

Have your kids begun using chatrooms?  Then your concern about their online safety is well placed.  While chatrooms can be great places for your kids to communicate with other friends and meet new ones, they are also open ground for people who have less than noble intentions.  If you want to keep your kids safe while using chatrooms, here are ways you can use:

Remember that it’s better to prevent a problem than correct it.
The best way to keep your kids safe when they use the chatroom is to impose safety and security measures right from the very beginning.  Being a little strict about internet use can do more good for your child because rules are implemented before any problems begin. 

Discuss the rules you want to implement before allowing your child to use the chatroom.  Talk to them about the kind of security threats that are common in these areas of the internet.  Tell them not to share personal information with chatmates, such as their real names, addresses, schools or phone number – anything that will give away their identity and location, regardless of how friendly the other person may seem.

Keep the computer in a place where it is easily seen, such as the family room.  Periodically check it to monitor which chatrooms your kids visit or gain access to. 

Dealing with private chats
Sometimes your child will be invited for a private chat, usually by someone he or she is already acquainted with.  This is a usual practice but it does have its risks.  Most online predators like to lure children away from public chatrooms and talk to them one-on-one.

Monitor these exchanges.  If your child is asked personal information, tell them they should refuse.  If you notice something suspicious, tell your child to ignore that person or leave the chatroom. 

Tell your children to use only moderated chatrooms that are designed for kids.  Use anti-spam and filtering software to protect your kids from malicious messages that may carry inappropriate content.

If the threat has happened or is already happening…
If your child is being threatened or solicited online, save the exchanges and print a copy as evidence.  Contact the authorities immediately or if the chat is from bullies, get in touch with the parents or the school administrators.

Prevention through information
Keeping your child safe in chatrooms takes more than just implementing a few rules here and there.  Technology changes fast and so do predatory and bullying styles.  Learn the language of the internet and keep yourself updated about new threats and ways to keep your child safe in these chatrooms.  The more you know, the better you can fight back.

In the fight against online crime, parents are not alone.  There are government and private groups promoting programs that provide protection for children, primarily because this age group has unique needs.  In Missouri, for example, the INOBTR (’I Know Better) began a campaign to protect the children of that state from the predators of the web.  Founded by Steve Schankman, INOBTR aims to become the internet safety resource for children and parents in Missouri. 

INOBTR is not the first attempt to curb the activities of unsavory elements that use the internet to prey on children.  There are government programs that offer protection for children as well.  These include: Read the rest of this entry »