Parents have to be vigilant and aware of the online safety of their teenage children as they are targeted by predators looking for any opportunity to abuse the vulnerability and innocence of adolescents
They may feel pressure from someone they know in real life, someone they play games with online, or through any social media platform they interact with.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of online predators and grooming crimes. Technological companies are more aware and have systems in place to prevent and report online predators to protect children, teenagers, and vulnerable adults.
Parents have to be vigilant and aware of the online safety of their teenage children as they are targeted by predators looking for any opportunity to abuse the vulnerability and innocence of adolescents. Online predators can exploit and manipulate teens to develop addictions, engage in illicit drug dealing, or produce inappropriate pictures online.
Online predators know how to avoid being discovered and delete their digital trail. They build trust with their victims over time by impersonating their peers or by providing a source of attention. They can also fake understanding and affection, so much needed when you are an adolescent. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to exploitation due to their desire for acceptance, curiosity, and desire to explore.
Red flags
Pay attention to changes in behaviour, especially if they become guarded and very concerned about their privacy, keeping to themselves. They may be very concerned with the secrecy of their online use. They may feel confused and blame themselves. They may be angry all the time for no specific reason as they are coping inside with feelings of embarrassment and fear.
Encourage your teens to have open communication with you about online activities and explain why some boundaries may need to be put in place to protect them
Dr Emma Allende
Be aware of your adolescent’s online activity. Sometimes adolescents may be online for very prolonged periods, especially when you are not at home or at night.
Your teens may receive expensive presents they cannot buy with their own money. You may start to see they have expensive things they could not possibly afford on their own. They can also be reluctant to use their mobile phones when before they were using them all the time.
How to Safeguard Your Teens
You know your teens; trust your gut feelings. If you feel something is not quite right, it probably isn’t.
Encourage your teens to have open communication with you about online activities and explain why some boundaries may need to be put in place to protect them. Use the parental safety control measures that websites offer as well as the WiFi parental control. Educate them about online predators and how they should not share personal and private information online.
Charge electronic equipment outside the bedrooms and encourage the use of electronics in a common family room.
Help them to approve of themselves and how they are to maintain a healthy self-esteem and body confidence to prevent them from seeking reassurance and acceptance from unknown people online.
Teach them to say “no” and let them know that “no” is a full sentence and they do not need to engage in online conversations if they feel uncomfortable. Most social media platforms have the Report/Remove tool you can use to report abuse.
Inappropriate Image Sharing
Finding out that your teens have received unwanted inappropriate images without their consent is one of the parent’s worst nightmares. They may also be asked to provide inappropriate images of themselves under pressure. Adolescents can become the target of inappropriate comments or even the victims of false rumours online.
Ask for advice
As parents, to protect our teens from online predators, we have to be proactive and approachable to help them, support them, and teach them about how to keep themselves safe in the digital world. By being positive, supportive, and encouraging open and safe communication, you can contribute to your teen’s wellbeing and online protection. Do not forget that help is at hand and do not hesitate to contact therapists, schools, or mental health professionals if you feel you are struggling. Your GP can give you advice and directions to local services too.
If the matter escalates, you can always ask for advice and report it to the police at CEOP Safety Centre. It’s understandable to feel concerned, but remember that you’re not alone. There are resources available to help both you and your teenager navigate through this challenging situation.
