The internet is an exciting, informational and communication tool. It enables adults and children to expand their horizons, learn new things, and exposes them to different cultures. It is also a way to meet new people. Therein lies the problem. The internet also offers pedophiles and sexual predators an easy way to meet children.

Some of these individuals seduce their victims through the use of attention, kindness, understanding and some even give gifts. They listen to problems and offer advice. They know the current music fads, the best movies and other things that kids like to talk about. Then they will gradually attempt to introduce sexual content and may even offer to meet.

We would like to think that our children will be smart enough, and/or mature enough to see through this but many are not. (Experienced predators have this down to an art.) Adolescents and teenagers sometimes deliberately use the internet to actively seek out materials and individuals that will help them explore their budding sexuality. These same children don’t understand or care about the risks. And the risks are there.

The dangers of meeting an on-line predator is more obvious and more well known. But a child can be emotionally abused just by the on-line sexual conversations. They don’t have to actually meet the predator. Not all child predators are older. The older ones are just more experienced.

Talk to your child before there is a problem. Explain the potential dangers but also emphasis that if they stay in the safe, designated areas there isn't as much danger. When your child knows what to expect and how to react, they aren't as likely to fall prey to these sexual predators.

According to an FBI publication there are seven main signs that your child might be at risk on-line. They are as follows:

1. Your child spends large amount of time on-line, especially at night.
2. You find pornography on your child’s computer.
3. Your child receives phone calls from men you don’t know, or is making calls to people you don’t know.
4. Your child receives mail, gifts, or packages from someone you don’t know.
5. Your child turns the computer monitor off or quickly changes the screen when you come in the room.
6. Your child withdraws from the family. (This can be a sign of several problems and should be taken very seriously.)
7. Your child is using an on-line account belonging to someone else.

Most parents first response may be to forbid the child from using the internet. Actually this is not a good idea. Many children will simply go behind your back, go to a friend’s house, the library or find other creative solutions. It is best if you learn how to monitor the situation. Also the child can benefit from the wealth of knowledge and information on the internet. They must learn the dangers and how to avoid them. They need to know how to protect themselves from child predators whether on-line or in real life. This is a skill they will use for the rest of their lives.

What Should You Do If You Think Your Child Is Engaging in Suspicious Internet Behavior?