The Internet has revolutionized the way we communicate and function in our day-to-day lives exposing us all to an unimagined volume of ideas and possibilities. We are only beginning to understand the full impact that such expanded access to images and information is having on adults and children.
Access to the online world via computers, other communication devices and networks offers an experience of anonymity which increases the chance that both children and adults will take risks and experiment with behavior they might never attempt in “real life”. We must acknowledge our responsibility to educate ourselves and our children about safely using this rapidly changing technology.
By taking protective actions in advance and speaking up about questionable behavior, we can help prevent harmful use of the Internet and its venues. Technology can be used as a tool to abuse power and exploit children in sexual ways. To stay safe online we must learn the “language” of the Internet. We must also recognize that there are many ways in which different kinds of files, images and text exploiting the sexuality of children is shared, traded, or sold: websites, newsgroups, Internet Relay Chat, file servers, peer-to-peer file transfer and devices that include cell phone technology.
We are also learning how children and young people may place themselves at risk and be vulnerable to abuse. When communicating via the internet and mobile phones, young people tend to become less wary and talk about things far more openly than they might when communicating with someone face to face. Young people may not always follow ‘keep safe on the net’ advice.
Take the time to speak directly with your kids as soon as they begin using the Internet. Using tools such as the i-SAFE America Pledge to be Safe is a great way to make clear agreements with your children about how to use the Internet safely when they are at home and when they are not.
By the very nature of their age and development, older children and teens tend to be adventurous and prepared to take risks. They are often fearful of their parents and other important adults in their lives -- or even of their friends finding out what they have said to other people while
Also, if they have been the victims of online exploitation, they often have a sense of shame and feel responsible and guilty for what has happened which makes it very difficult for them to tell anyone about it. It is important to give our children a clear message that it’s OK to tell, even if they feel they have done something wrong.
It is important that all adults are aware of the potential dangers to children and young people and are able to prevent them from being harmed. We can do this by recognizing the warning signs and by encouraging the people concerned to question their behavior and stop.
Adapted with permission from Stop It Now! UK & Ireland, The Internet and Children – What’s the Problem?, http://www.stopitnow.org.uk/help--advice/publications.aspx