The Problem: This newspaper headline mystifies adults who don't quite understand the dangers  children and teens face in cyberspace. The days of simply teaching your kids "not to talk to strangers" are over. Unsuspecting children on the internet are often confronted by predators posing as their peers. Child angst in the cyber world can lead to disaster. Often the child welcomes their new "cyber friend" who "understands" them. The adage "If I knew then what I know now" is used by adult cyber predators to lure children into their grips.  What further exasperates the situation is a child or teen's need for independence and friendship. Social networking sites geared towards both children and teens are laden with graphic photos of kids who also post risqué commentary, and these sites become the pedophile’s playground. Furthermore, any kid that has the ability to download music also has the means to download hard-core, violent pornography.

The Solution: Become informed. Ignorance and naiveté on the part of the parent or teacher will allow the kid to get into trouble. Understanding the risks and inner workings of technology and a child's online social life will allow adults to monitor and gain control over their child's internet surfing.

SafetyMinute Seminars, P.O. Box 15145, Boston, MA 02215