Online Predators and the Need for Preventative Measures

1115 Words3 Pages

The Internet is an immense database that provides users with a tremendous amount of information on research, commerce, and entertainment. Unfortunately, as the internet keeps advancing, online predators continue to become more successful in what they do. The internet is an ideal network for pedophiles to pursue their interests and fixations with young children. It enables them to locate and interact with adolescents more rapidly than ever before. Although the idea of pedophiles luring children in on the internet is a horrifying image, it is happening. It is through the internet’s easy accessibility that children continue to become vulnerable to these internet predators while engaging in social networking sites. With a simple click of a mouse, children of all ages can engage in a variety of chat rooms. As reported in MSNBC live, “Instant messaging on the computer has become the new phone for kids today. Children spend hours chatting online with their friends, and sometimes with strangers” (Hansen, 2004). Although these chat rooms are advertised as harmless communication networks designed for our youth to make new friends, there is actually no way of knowing whether a child is chatting with a 13 year old girl of a 43 year old man. According to one recent study, “one in five children will be approached by a sexual predator within in the next year; a predator who may try to set up a face-to-face meeting” (Hansen, 2004). It is this kind of instant messaging that is becoming one the internet’s greatest dangers. Many teenagers are extremely powerless when it comes to instant messaging and online chat rooms. Although they may be aware of the dire consequences that come with talking to strangers while browsing the web, many do not ... ... middle of paper ... ...th others across the world. Works Cited Hansen, C. (2004, November 11). MSNBC. Retrieved November 16, 2009, from Dangers Children Face Online: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6083442 Mitchell, M. (2006, February 13). Search Warp. Retrieved November 17, 2009, from How to Protect Your Children from Online Predators: http://searchwarp.com/swa40220.htm Online Predators: Help Minimize the Risk. (2009). Retrieved November 16, 2009, from Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/parents/social/predators.aspx Talbot, D. (2009, January 14). Don't Blame the Internet. Retrieved November 16, 2009, from http://www.technologyreview.com/web/21963/?a=f Walsh, S. (2009, October 13). Shields Up!: Protecting Yourself from Online Predators. Retrieved 2009 17, November, from Gadget Tell: http://www.gadgetell.com/tech/comment/shields-up-protecting-yourself-from-online-predators/

Open Document