
Self Defense Protection - Keeping Kids Safe Online
Author: Michelle Annese
We all know that keeping our kids safe on the internet is a parent's priority lately. Here are some new tips and strategies to give parents solutions on how to protect their children.
The biggest trick some child predators’ are using these days is to pretend to be a kid, in a kid site chat room.
Child predators are talking the lingo, misspelling words, having simple conversations to gain trust with children on the internet.
But do you really know just how fast they can find information about your child or your family?
This is one website every parent must see:
http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/ceos/index.html
Scroll down to the bottom and you will see a section called
Interactive Tools
Then click on the link
'What Can Be Revealed in Minutes About Your Child Online'
It is a downloadable tutorial that shows parents and kids just how someone can search for information about you or your child, if they frequent chat rooms, or send out any type of posts on the internet.
It shows you how a stranger on the internet can find out EVERYTHING about your child in about 45 minutes, with even the smallest piece of information to start with.
Here is the direct url for the tutorial:
http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/ceos/Multimedia/NCMEC%20Video%202.exe
So what will a child abductor do with this information?
Even if they do not know what your child looks like, they can wait for them to come home from school, call them by name, call them on the phone.
And if they walk home from school, they can come in contact with them en route back home.
Without a doubt, the most dangerous of all… ...you might not even know if your child is being stalked by a person like this.
Here are some tips to safeguard your child against these types of individuals:
1. Just like TV, video games, or watching movies, you shouldn't let your child have free reign of the computer any time they like.
Have a central family computer space (keep it out of their rooms if there is an internet hook-up) By making use of the computer as a family affair, parents can keep a close eye on who they are interacting with.
2. Make sure you know who they are chatting with online and tell them exactly why you’re concerned. Just like you want to meet their friends, get to know who they are talking to online.
tip - Kids are smart these days. They know there are nasty people in our society. Be open with them about your concerns and tell them you love them and you just don't want anything happening to them. That way, when you do get 'nosey cozy' every time they’re online, it's not a shock to their system.
Tell your child under no circumstances should they give out their name, address, phone #, or where they go to school over the internet.
tip - It's natural for a kid to want to talk about those things. That's what makes up their day. Help them fight the urge by working with your child on 'safe' topics to chat about; movies, music, current events, even what they are learning in school. But nothing personal.
4. Have them tell you if there are any conversations that make them feel uncomfortable and to not believe anyone they chat with when they type in "Don't Tell Your Mom or Dad..." That’s a big flag. Have them tell you about it.
5. Chatting kids should know never to meet ANYONE off of the internet without checking with their parents first, whether in a separate chat room or in person. They must have a parent along and meet in a public place.
6. Tell your child they should NEVER send a picture to anyone, without your permission.
Talk with your child about setting rules for going online (time of day, length of time) and what sites and chat rooms are OK to visit. And what would happen if they break those rules.
Working together, parents and kids can make the internet informative and fun, just don't make it easy for a child predator to find them.
About the Author Michelle Annese is a 3rd degree black belt with 15+ years experience teaching industry specific self defense and safety for women and children. She is author of The Realtor Survival Guide, Protection for Women, and The SafeGuard System for Kids. For more information on how to protect yourself and your family go to http://www.michelleannese.com Check out other articles by Ms. Annese and get her free safety tips e-newsletter.
More Martial Arts and Self Defense Articles
Self-Defense: What You Need To Know
In the world in which we currently live, it is now necessary that one knows how to properly defend themselves or their loved ones if they are in danger of being hurt. This article will become useful if you want to increase your knowledge of basic...read more
How to Select Your Martial Arts and Self Defense Equipment
The most common place to buy martial arts or self defense equipment is in the local dojo. Most dojos, training centers, etc., have a small store where you can buy or order the martial arts or self defense equipment you need for your practice. ...read more
Newest martial arts study today
When we say martial arts, we think of the much publicized Chinese Kung Fu that is graceful yet powerful. Ever since Bruce Lee hit the screen with his Kung Fu flying kicks, people of the West has been mesmerized and in awe of the martial art...read more
Self Defense-Stun Master-Which One is Best for You
When it comes to defending yourself and providing some personal security in a situation that requires more than words and you never have had a handgun, a non lethal self defense weapon has got to be at your side to insure your safety. Of course...read more
Self Defense Tips To Keep You Safe
Do as much as you can to avoid a confrontation - "anticipation and avoidance" are the key words. If you get caught up in a situation, try to talk to an aggressor without provoking them. Practice relaxation, as appearing fearful or stressed can ...read more
The Link between Yoga, Mindfulness, and Weight Loss - Part 2
Some of you may still do this, but remember when most people gave thanks, prayed, or said grace at the table? We can still be thankful to our family members or their company, the cook for his or her skill, to those who brought the food home, and...read more
Martial Arts and Your Personality Type
I’m sure you’ve heard about the different personality types: Type A’s are those that are very competitive and goal-oriented and Type B’s are the people who are more relaxed and laidback about life. Well, recently in the news, there has been talk...read more
Reality-Based Self-Defense: 19 Principles You Must Know for Surviving a Real-World Street Attack
Real-world self-defense is a very serious matter. And while you can have a lot of fun during practice sessions, you must remember that you are not training for a sport or tournament match, where the only thing on the line is a shiny trophy or a...read more
Self-Defense Fighting Techniques; Part One: Kicking, Does It Work In A Real Fight Or Not?
Being the author on several books that focus on the subject of kicking, I am often confronted by the following statement, “Kicking is ineffective at best in a real self-defense situation and is usually dangerously detrimental to the individual who...read more
Natural Self-Defense Against Breast Cancer
Natural Self Defense Against Breast Cancer - Learning to Cope with Organochlorine Pollution What are organochlorines? Organochlorines are chemicals found in some herbicides and pesticides, in chlorine bleach and most chemical disinfectants,...read more
|