Online Predation is a reality that we all have to accept but earnestly fight against. Help your kids be smart, cautious, and savvy by arming yourself with the facts. Be proactive in protecting your children. This will make your kid safer and help you feel a lot better. The common stereotype of the online predator is wrong and misleading.  Though online predators pretend to be very different from who they are three characteristics have been borne out:

1. Almost all are male 2. Most are white    3. Most hold a full-time job.

As it plays on parents’ fear, it makes for a popular article. Hence, often multiple news outlets jump on the story. Here’s how to play safe:

Ø  Warn children of the “Stranger Danger”

Ø  Get them to confide in you without making them feel as if they are in trouble

Ø  Minimize the “online” time of children and take an active interest in your child

Ø  A possible indicator is signs of withdrawal and secretiveness around a device (hiding the screen, clicking from a window suddenly.

Ø  Phone calls and gifts from unknown people are possible signs.