Communication is the Key
An effective way to combat the grooming process used by Internet predators is to keep the lines of communication open between a child and his or her family. Open communication helps create a sense of trust in the physical world while predators deceitfully attempt to establish a bond in the cyber world. Often this communication, or lack of communication, can be a simple step that makes the difference between a child becoming the victim of an online predator and an online predator being caught red handed in the middle of the grooming process.
49% of 5-8 graders “Never” (24%) or “Rarely” (25%) discuss e-Safety with their parents. This number is higher in 9-12 graders. 64% of high school students “Never” (27%) or “Rarely” (37%) discuss e-Safety with their parents.
An interesting discrepancy to remember: while 88% of parents indicate that they have established rules for their children’s Internet activity, more than 1 in 3 students (38%) indicate that they do not have Internet usage rules that have been set by their parents or guardians.
These figures indicate that the perception and definition of online-use rules should be more clearly defined and agreed upon between parents/guardians and their children in order to maximize the online safety of the entire family.
Open communication needs to happen from both sides — parent/guardian and child. Consider these additional findings from NAC student pre-assessment surveys (2006-07):
- 48% of 5-12 graders with Internet friends tell their parents almost nothing about their online friends.
- 39% of parents indicated that they are “very” (13%) or “somewhat” (26%) concerned about the amount of time their children spend on the Internet.
- 20% of parents consider their ability to monitor and shelter their children from inappropriate material on the Internet as inadequate.
Why is the Generation Gap Important?
Dangers Kids and Teens Face Online
e-Safety for the Youth of America
Communication is the Key (You are Here)
Reprinted with the permission of i-SAFE Inc. © 1998=2008 i-Safe Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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