Online predator
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An online predator is an Internet user who exploits vulnerable people for sexual or financial purposes.
Children and the elderly are most often the victims of online predators. Experts recommend not providing personally identifiable information such as a name, password, phone number, address or credit card numbers.[1]
While chat and instant messaging is a widely known playground for online predators, they also appear in other places. For example MySpace has received much attention regarding online predators looking up profiles of children in hopes they can use any information the child provides against them and start the predatory process.[2]
Many parents are not aware of the danger their children may be in with regards to providing personal information on their blogs, profiles, etc.[3] Some parents on the other hand do understand that they need to discuss the potential dangers with their children and explain to them that they should never provide any personal information online.[3]
Monitoring software which attempts to keep an eye on kids' computer activity has also seen some popularity with parents.[4]
[edit] References
- ^ Online Safety Rules For Kids. FEMA For Kids. Retrieved on 2006-12-08.
- ^ Williams, Pete (2006-02-03). MySpace, Facebook attract online predators. MSNBC. Retrieved on 2006-12-08.
- ^ a b Study: Online teens need more supervision. CNET (2005-05-23). Retrieved on 2006-12-08.
- ^ Donna Rice Hughes. Answers from an Internet safety expert [Internet]. Answering parents' frequently asked questions: MSNBC.
[edit] External links
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