Internet Safety for Children

A friend of mine recently went to a police presentation on internet safety. Below are his notes.

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A threat online is a crime – there is no legal difference between online and “real world”. Online threat to kill someone is no different than a face-to-face threat.

Use parental control software and check computers regularly. Micro Center has the best selection in town. Get one that matches your needs and your expertise.

Always have access to your children's electronic devices & communications. Check their phones and other devices, regularly and randomly. Children needs to know that their devices can be inspected anytime.

Always have access to your kids' rooms and everything in it – giving your kids privacy is risky. Plus if parents give them privacy, they may even lose some legal rights.

There should never be computers in the bedroom. Computer should be in a central location, facing out.

No cell phones and other internet accessible devices in children’s bedrooms at night.

No kid needs a data plan.

Cover webcam when not used – predators can convince kids to install software that lets them control the webcam remotely.

Tell your children that as long as you pay the bills, they follow your rules.

A lot of police officers do not know how to take reports of online crimes and may refuse to take a report. If one does not get assistance, contact city prosecutor.

A voice modifier can be used to change ones’ voice. They are several hundred dollars online. Don’t assume anything – it can be a guy or girl, young or old on the other side – impossible to tell nowadays.

Victims often are from the more affluent part of society. Easy access to internet, computers, high-tech phones, etc…

There are more child predators now than before due to population growth, however, on a percentage basis, there are not any more than before – crime rate is the same.

Maybe 1 out of 1000 child predators are women. Almost all are white males. Unlike many other types of criminals, they are at all socioeconomic levels, across all professions.

Someone you know collects child pornography. You just don’t know who.

Some internet service providers cooperate with law enforcement. Others are difficult. WOW is very supportive. Road Runner is not cooperative.

Don't confront a suspected predator. They may delete everything, making it hard for authorities to find and prosecute. Instead, report to authorities immediately

Communications is key to prevent your child from being a victim. Child predators look for vulnerable kids who are not communicating well with their parents.

Primary source of information: Detective Brian Marvin, Reynoldsburg Police Department. 614-322-6916