Key Signs Your Child May Be at Risk Online

Internet access can be obtained basically anywhere these days. Coffee shops, libraries, malls, restaurants, schools, and even cell phones. Knowing where your child has been online is no longer something that many parents have control over. Unless they are in their home, sometimes that too can be quite stressful to achieve.

There are some programs that allows you as the parent to monitor their use while at home, however this is only at home. Children today are very computer savvy and know just how to get around being monitored.

This can lead to a child getting into hot water online. Unfortunately there are many people online that want to exploit children of all ages. No matter what kind of safety protocols you might have in place, there is a chance that your child could be one of those exploited. Take the time to notice specific signs in case your child has become at risk.

One of the key signs to realizing there is something going on with your child and someone online, is they are very weary to allow you to go near or on their computer. If this is happening, more then likely they are talking to someone they should not be or do not want you knowing about. Intervene immediately, have them show you what is going on, if anything.

Children spend a lot of time online these days. If you are noticing that they are online more then usual, such as not going out with friends, missing dinners, staying awake until all hours of the night, and keeping their cell phones on hand at all time. This is another red flag that needs to be looked into.

If your child begins to receive phone calls, emails, texts, and gifts from people you do not know. Once again, this is another red flag. Pay attention to who they know and who you do not know. If you do not know someone, make sure that you have your child introduce you to them. Never allow them to leave with anyone you know nothing about.

When a child is consumed by something, such as the internet, many will become very withdrawn from their family. You will notice an increased attitude that sometimes can become aggressive. Keep an eye out for them skipping out on family dinners, family outings, and family discussions.

Last but not least, if you are capable of gaining access to their computer and do notice that they are frequenting online adult chats, or pornography sites. Action needs to be taken immediately.

According to statistics from The Center For Missing and Exploited Children, children between the ages of 14-17 have:

• 71% reported receiving messages online from someone they don't know.
• 45% have been asked for personal information by someone they don't know.
• 30% have considered meeting someone that they've only talked to online
• 14% have actually met a person face-to-face they they've only spoken to over the Internet (9% of 13-15s; 22% of 16-17s).