IDENTIFYING ONLINE PREDATORS

i-Safe, Inc.

DO YOU GO ONLINE? Do you go online alone? What do you do online? How do you know how old someone

is that you meet online? Remember – Anyone you meet and

know only online is a stranger to you, no matter how well you think you know them.

ONLINE SOCIALIZING AND REALITIES

To socialize online means to interact with others using Internet technologies.

Sometimes people lie about who they are when socializing online. This could be because they want to bully or steal identities.

Most online relationships are safe, but sometimes adults lie online to meet and form friendships with youth. They are called predators.

THE GROOMING PROCESS

Have you heard of the grooming process?

This term is used to mean the methods a predator uses to befriend youth online.

How can you identify someone who might be an online predator?

ONLINE GROOMING Studies have shown that an online

predator will: Encourage you to talk about

inappropriate things Do or say anything to show they care Want to meet you Remember – No one can predict the

harm that a predator could cause.

MINIMIZING DANGER There are things you can do to minimize

danger and the chances of becoming the victim of an online predator, including the following:

Choose a safe screen name. Use caution when choosing whom to

communicate with. Avoid revealing too much personal

information.

MINIMIZING DANGER No matter what, it is important to tell an adult

if: You feel uncomfortable online for any reason. You are approached by someone who discusses

inappropriate things. You are approached by someone who wants to

meet you offline. Think about what UR Talking About – a predator

looks for youth who willingly talk about inappropriate things. It is not okay and it’s not safe!

REVIEW Think Safety First Use an appropriate screen name. Don’t engage in inappropriate talk online. Don’t agree to meet an online stranger. Avoid secret online friendships. Find an offline friend if you’re feeling

down.

REVIEW It is important to stop the communication

and tell an adult if: You feel uncomfortable online for any

reason. You are approached by someone who

discusses inappropriate things. You are approached by someone who

wants to meet you offline.

REVIEW

Who can U Tell? Tell your parent, guardian, or another trusted adult.

Tell a teacher or another adult at school.

Bottom line – Tell someone!