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What is a child predator?
Child predators come from all walks of life, economical backgrounds, religions, and race. In other words, there really is no stereotypical type. Child predators prey on the innocence of children; are child-oriented; and are "experts" at gaining trust, and then violating that trust.
How do predators select their prey?
Child predators often watch playgrounds and observe children's play habits. They usually select a child they think will be an easy target. They look for children who are walking alone, take shortcuts, or seem to be loners.
In some cases, the predator may be someone the child knows: a family member, a neighbor, or someone who has befriended them. Some predators find out about "family" problems and insinuate themselves into the child's life by being a "friend," someone who will help them deal with the problems.
What are some risky behaviors that may lead to contact with a child predator?
Internet chat rooms and web sites offer unprecedented opportunities for child predators. Kids are engaging in very risky online behavior, oftentimes unaware of the criticality of these types of interactions.
The Polly Klaus Foundation conducted a nationwide poll of teens and tweens that revealed the following:
- Half of teens age 13-18 have communicated online with someone they have never met.
- 30% talked about meeting someone, in person, whom they only know online.
- More than half of the children said they've been asked personal questions online.
- 27% of children said they've talked online about sex with someone they never met in person.
- 42% online teens said they've posted information about themselves on the Internet so others can see it and contact them.
- Nearly half of the teenagers admitted to using code words to let others online know of parent's immediate presence.
What steps can I take?
- Teach young children their full name and yours, telephone number with area code, and address with zip code. Show them how to make local and long distance calls; how to use a pay phone; how to dial "0" for the operator or 911 in an emergency. And be sure to teach them how to phone home.
- Instruct your children not to give out any personal information-address, telephone number, their parent's names-to someone they don't know who asks them for it.
- Encourage your children to use the buddy system.
- Get to know your neighbors and establish "safe homes" where children can go for help.
- Instruct children not to go off with someone alone.
- In cases when a parent will be sending someone else to pick up the child, have a code that only the child and the assigned person will know.
- Learn about the Internet and learn what the dangers are.
What else can I do?
Keep current files on your children.
- Include a recent photo. Update photos at least four times a year for children under two; twice a year after that.
- Make a mental note of the clothes your children wear everyday.
- Keep written records of extracurricular activities, and friend's names, addresses and phone numbers.
- Obtain a set of footprints or fingerprints through local law enforcement or qualified professionals.
- Maintain dental or medical records.
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