We asked two experts how families could best navigate gaming and other online activity that can expose children to sexual predators. Sharon W. Cooper is a forensic pediatrician at the University of North Carolina and an expert on sexual exploitation. Both are internationally recognized for their work in the field of child sexual abuse. The following recommendations have been condensed and edited for clarity.
How to Protect Your Children From Online Sexual Predators
Internet Safety for Kids: Staying Safe from Online Predators
Did you know that one in three Internet users in the world is a child? For many children worldwide, the distinction between the online and offline world is no longer clear. Access to the Internet presents many opportunities for education, personal development, self-expression, and interaction with others. Yet, an increasingly complex online environment also presents risks for the safety of children online.
Personal safety and sexual safety for women using online personal ads
This study examined the impact of the Interneton personal and sexual safety for women meeting men through online ads. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected with an online survey. Of the women who completed the survey, reported having met in person with a man who answered their online personal ad.
The Internet is much more anonymous than the real world. People can hide their identities or even pretend to be someone they're not. This can sometimes present a real danger to children and teens who are online. Online predators may try to lure kids and teens into sexual conversations or even face-to-face meetings. Predators will sometimes send obscene material or request that kids send pictures of themselves.