How closely do you monitor your child? Unless you continuously stand over her
shoulder as she surfs the web, you can't monitor her closely enough.
Realistically, you probably can't be with your child every time she logs on the
Internet, but you can become more aware of your child's computer habits.
How often and when does your child use the computer? Typically, he probably
spends the majority of his time using the Internet at night and on the weekends.
Online predators know this, and they spend the majority of their time looking
for victims during those times. It isn't unusual for children to use the
Internet nearly every night and on the weekends, giving potential sexual
offenders more opportunities to meet them. If your child spends a lot of time
online, you have cause for concern.
While surfing the web is a common pastime for both children and adults, you
should keep your eyes open for any changes in your child's personality. Has she
become more withdrawn from you and other members of the family? Does she seem
more secretive, maybe even hostile? Online predators play on children's trust
and emotions. For many predators, a primary goal is to isolate your child from
you emotionally so she will turn to them for support, companionship, and
possibly love. If the predator can work his way into your child's life online,
eventually he may be able to meet her in person.
Have you noticed any phone numbers on your Caller ID or your child's
cell-phone that are unfamiliar? Even if a child hesitates to give out his own
phone number, he may take down the phone number of the computer predator, not
realizing that his number will show on the potential sex offender's Caller ID.
Talking to your child on the phone is the online predator's next step in
creating a more serious relationship and tighter bond.
Do you get the mail everyday, or does your child have access to it before you
do? To gain your child's affection and trust, the predator may send your child
gifts, letters, and even pictures of himself. He may also send bus or plane
tickets to your child, providing an opportunity for your son or daughter to go
to him.
Do you check the history on your computer? If you do, have you found
pornography? Many sexual offenders send sexually explicit images of themselves
and others over the Internet. They are trying to seduce your child online, and
they are also trying to establish a pattern of normalcy for these kinds of acts.