Internet Predators: Preventing the Attack Against Our Kids

The Internet is like any major city; there are sections that simply should be avoided. Likely to shock parents and kids alike with its blunt depictions of techniques used by sexual predators online, Internet Predators focuses on chat rooms, where some abuse the easy anonymity offered there by constructing intricate snares for unwitting victims. One chilling case looks at a predator who impersonated several individuals online (including a 13-year-old girl, the girl's “parents,” and others) to lend credibility to his false claim of being a modeling agent. Viewers will learn how predators carefully uncover and stalk vulnerable and disenfranchised kids using a variety of illicit methods designed to initially gain trust (and, although this is about kids, the general advice here could apply to anyone participating in chat rooms). Despite the dire warnings, however, police investigators point out that one dedicated parent is more than a match for any Internet predator, and offer sound prevention advice here. Granted, some tips and cautions are common knowledge (home computers should always be in a shared space, people online aren't necessarily who they say they are, never divulge personal information, and--gulp--be aware that chat is often available at public libraries), but others are less obvious (beware of packages in the mail for your kids that contain no return address--predators have been known to send webcams, prepaid calling cards, and even plane tickets and cash to facilitate a meeting with their victims). Although aimed at adult audiences, junior high-level students and up should be aware of the material presented here. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: J, H, P. (C. Block)