The Struggles of a Teenager- Dangers Online

The Internet can be a dark place with dark people. People who will pretend to be anyone they want online in order to get close to someone as innocent as a child.

That would never happen to us.

Almost every parent who’s child was preyed on by someone on the Internet has probably thought the same thing. Whether it is bullying or someone trying to groom your child, it seems like something that happens to other people. You might think your child would never get sucked into that.

The truth is that the predators groom your child. They send pictures to them of someone the same age as they are. They talk to them like another teen would talk to them. Predators will lie to your child and are very good at convincing them they are who they say they are. Then, before your child knows it, it’s too late. They are in a very serious situation they may not be able to get out of.

What can I do to keep my child safe?

Tell them the truth. If your child is old enough to be on the Internet by themselves, then they are old enough to be told the truth about who might be out there. The Internet can be a scary place with scary people and sheltering them from that fact will leave them unprepared and uneducated.

Also, create an environment where there is open communication. When there is free flowing communication, your children are more likely to come and talk to you.

Another tip would be to always have your computers in a main area where your teens can be supervised. If they have a computer in their room, they are more likely to get onto sites you do not approve of.

If you need help talking to your teen about safety while online, Contact us.