2008 Woodie Awards
Are minors safe to use the Web?
Predators seek victims on popular social interactive Web sites; can we protect them?
Lane, Terri L.
Issue date: 2/1/07 Section: In Focus
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In addition to her selectiveness, if a person is trying to add her and says something that might insinuate something she is not comfortable with, she does not accept the add. However, that is not all there is to keeping away those with alternative motives.
According to Schadler, "Social Interactive Web sites are doing their best to keep predators to a minimum, but ultimately, the responsibility traces back to the parents." Parents of young children on these Web sites need to step-up and take the initiative to watch their kids' activity on the Internet.
They must pay special attention to what they are doing and report any possible predators to the FBI or state and local police departments. Responsible parents would not let there children leave their house for an hour to go out freely with whoever they want without knowing where they were going or who they were with, so why then should they allow their kids to surf the Internet without supervision? Parents need to help prevent their kids from interacting so freely on these social interactive sites.
Now who are the most sought out prey? According to Parker, "Predators search for vulnerable kids those who are having problems, at home or school, are feeling neglected, or who are curious or questioning their sexuality. Predators simply look for a point of vulnerability to exploit. Any child using the Internet is a potential target," stressed Parker.
Furthermore, predators use a child's emotional distress to manipulate them. According to Schadler, "A primary way these predators are entering the lives of their prey is to use an 'adult sensibility' meaning they often focus on their emotions and insecurities to attract them and give a sense they are a person they can trust and confide in."
So Myspacers should beware: There are more than just people wanting to be your friends on these sites; the next person who is looking to add you could potentially be a predator
According to Schadler, "Social Interactive Web sites are doing their best to keep predators to a minimum, but ultimately, the responsibility traces back to the parents." Parents of young children on these Web sites need to step-up and take the initiative to watch their kids' activity on the Internet.
They must pay special attention to what they are doing and report any possible predators to the FBI or state and local police departments. Responsible parents would not let there children leave their house for an hour to go out freely with whoever they want without knowing where they were going or who they were with, so why then should they allow their kids to surf the Internet without supervision? Parents need to help prevent their kids from interacting so freely on these social interactive sites.
Now who are the most sought out prey? According to Parker, "Predators search for vulnerable kids those who are having problems, at home or school, are feeling neglected, or who are curious or questioning their sexuality. Predators simply look for a point of vulnerability to exploit. Any child using the Internet is a potential target," stressed Parker.
Furthermore, predators use a child's emotional distress to manipulate them. According to Schadler, "A primary way these predators are entering the lives of their prey is to use an 'adult sensibility' meaning they often focus on their emotions and insecurities to attract them and give a sense they are a person they can trust and confide in."
So Myspacers should beware: There are more than just people wanting to be your friends on these sites; the next person who is looking to add you could potentially be a predator
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