Children and the Internet: You know what your children do?
We give our children so many techcentric toys, because we want them to feel part of and have a sense of belonging. Computers, web cameras, cell phones and high-end gaming consoles, with messaging and Wi-Fi features are hugely popular items .. Many of us take our children can trust to use good sense with these hi-tech tools. Often this assumption is wrong. Recently, in the news, many crimes committed by adolescents, the use of computer and "net. Terrible crimes, including murder was as Colombine massacre, and the murder of Kara Borden's parents, by her boyfriend, David Ludwig. These events are asking for an answer to the question: How well do you know what your children are up to? I will try to inform parents of certain activities and places young people hang out on the 'net, and just what goes on there. One of the most popular here in California, is a site called My Space www.myspace.com. Parents must be aware that the site is a place where a lot of sexual activity, known online as cybersex. Chat word is C boy or girl, My Space. Pedophiles lurk typically around places like this, masquerading as a fellow teenager, and even pretend to be a woman, when in fact they are men. It's just too easy, and so many children, for whatever reason, all too willing to engage in such behaviors. Other sites that Habbo Hotel, Delphi Forums, talk to City, allowing minors on the site in an adult romance chat rooms, bisexual and gay chat rooms and other open sexual forums. Parents must learn to not only accept the old teen foundation, of "all go there" Take a look at this from My Space for resources.I Just Want Sex (public groups) to find some one who just wants to have sex So Cal Husband -Out Club (Public Group) This group is for people who live in So Cal and want to get together to make out Make Out Club (public group) - Make Out Club - The name pretty much speaks for itself, for people who want to meet others out and make it a night. HoT Guys & Gurls (public group) This group is 4 people who think they are hot enough 2 chat with ppl they know and also find new friends! Dis group is da fastest growing group in myspace to have a chat room and a music player! Instant Messenger is a double threat, despite their convenience. Many runoff IRC Internet Relay Chat, which opens up holes in computers and mobile phones, for skilled hackers. You might think that if your child is not online, but just using a text messenging mobile phone, they are safe from both predators and unwanted behaviors. Add a camera to the phone, and you have a tool that can spell trouble. Everything from changing nude or explicit images, allowing criminals access to your home and children. These camera phones are prohibited in all federal and state buildings, and here in our school district, are cell phones banned in school-time. Webcams in the hands of teenagers is so risky, I simply can not believe parents allow them. It was a frightening case recently where a young 8 year old had accidentally left his webcam on and was seen by a known pedophile in all the time it was connected. If you think this is just paranoia, go to http://www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/pguidee.htm and check out what they have to say about Internet safety. If we are to prevent more children from being hurt, or indulge in risky behaviors, we must be very aware of exactly where they are going and what they do. It is not safe to assume that our children can exercise accurate assessments on the Internet, especially as so many adults can not or do not. Bottom line, either you or your children do not really know who many of the people they meet online truly is. And as parents we have the right to insist on our children to be accountable to us for what they do. And legally, you are a parent is liable for any criminal activity your child makes, especially if you fail to act as a responsible parent. Before you make a new high-tech buy for your child, ask yourself if this is really necessary, or even better, it is safe. Enable your child to give in to peer pressure can expose your child or others at risk. Is it really worth it?
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