Teaching Teenagers to Protect Themselves from Internet Sexual Predators

You've probably heard the horror stories about Internet sexual predators whose charming communication skills and desire to victimize have ruined families all over the world. According to recent studies, teenage girls between the ages of twelve and sixteen are the most at risk for Internet sexual predators.

If you are a parent, then you obviously want the best for your child, but are you doing everything you possibly can to keep your teenagers safe? Parenting skills must adapt with the technology and you no longer can confine your worry to depraved pedophiles who walk the streets. Unfortunately, they're waiting at the other end of your Internet connection, as well.

Most teenagers have a singular distaste for being lectured or even subtly educated about things that might be dangerous. They are likely to say that they know about the dangers of Internet sexual predators and that they don't need to be taught or even warned about what might happen if they become a victim. Since Internet sexual predators can't act unless they engage teenagers in conversation, however, it's obvious that many teenagers are not as prepared or as vigilant as they think they are.

When teaching your teenagers to protect themselves from Internet sexual predators, it's important that you don't succumb to complaints or protests. It might not be a fun discussion and you might be met with a truckload of resistance, but it's worth it if you can save your child from victimization.

Research the Subject Thoroughly
You can't teach your teenager to beware Internet sexual predators if you don't know much about the subject yourself. There is a wealth of information on the Internet dedicated to education on this issue, so let your fingers do the walking. The FBI (fbi.gov) publishes an excellent handbook called A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety. It goes into detail about the warning signs that your child might be involved in communications with a predator.