As technology continues to advance and children increasingly connect online, the risk of encountering online predators has become more prevalent than ever. According to Bark’s 2022 Annual Report, 9.4% of tweens and 14.2% of teens have experienced predatory behavior from individuals online.

In tandem with technological advancements, online predators have also evolved their tactics to groom, manipulate, and exploit children. They employ various strategies, ranging from masquerading as trusted friends to enticing youngsters with games and even resorting to blackmail. Identifying these predators has become more challenging than ever before.

However, there’s no need to panic. By familiarizing yourself with the potential dangers and taking proactive measures to protect your child, you can ensure their online safety. This article will provide you with valuable tips and tricks on safeguarding your child against online predators.

Protecting Kids from Online Predators: 10 Tips

Engage in an open conversation about online predators:

It is crucial to educate your child about the risks posed by online predators and emphasize that not everyone they encounter online is who they claim to be. Explain that these predators can take various forms, even someone they know and trust.

Teach your child to be cautious about sharing personal information:

Apart from obvious details like their full name, address, and phone number, it is essential to highlight seemingly harmless information that online predators could exploit. Things like their school name, favorite hangouts, or class schedule can all be used against them.

Establish a rule against meeting strangers in person:

Regardless of any promises to meet in public places, it is never safe for minors to meet strangers they’ve encountered online. Remind your child that online predators are adept at concealing their true identity, and the reality of the person they meet may not align with their expectations.

Educate your child about common predator tactics:

Online predators rarely reveal their true intentions outright. Discuss tactics such as “grooming” and “sextortion” with your child to make them aware of how predators manipulate victims to achieve their goals.

Create a judgment-free environment:

Encourage your child to confide in you if they feel uneasy about someone they interact with online or receive messages that make them uncomfortable. Assure them that your primary concern is their safety, and they can share anything with you without fear of judgment.

Stay alert for warning signs:

Is your child becoming more secretive with their devices? Are they spending excessive time online? Have they created new accounts or apps while keeping it hidden from you? These behaviors could indicate that your child is engaging with an online predator. Express your concern and ask them to open up about any changes in their behavior.

Be aware of the games, apps, and websites your child uses:

Online connections now extend beyond chat rooms. Predators often exploit online games, social media, dating apps, and various websites to target and groom children. Take note of any new apps your child has downloaded or if they spend an excessive amount of time on a particular app or website.

Encourage immediate reporting of unwelcome behavior:

In the slippery slope of grooming and manipulation, it is crucial to provide clear examples of when your child should report unwelcome behavior. For instance, “If a stranger ever asks you to send a photo of yourself, please let me know immediately.” Inform them about external resources such as their school counselor and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) where they can seek help if they feel uncomfortable approaching you.

Assist them in adjusting privacy settings:

Discuss with your teenager the importance of setting their social media profiles to private until they reach at least 18 years old. Additionally, explore the privacy settings of other apps to prevent your child from receiving private messages or comments from strangers.

Utilize parental control tools:

Given the various ways online predators can target your child, it is beneficial to have additional measures in place to protect them. Take advantage of tools that monitor texts, emails, internet browsing, and social media platforms for signs of sexual predators, adult content, cyberbullying, depression, suicidal thoughts, drug use, threats of violence, and more.