The internet is a great space and resource for children and teenagers, giving them access to a vast wealth of information and making it possible to contact others through a vast array of platforms, including social media, email, and text messaging.
Unfortunately, with this vast access lies the safety risk of meeting with online predators.
These are adults who often, in a sexually motivated way, approach children and teenagers online to exploit their innocence and inexperience. Predators assume fake online identities to target young and impressionable people.
Online grooming for sexual purposes
Online grooming for sexual purposes means communicating with a child over the internet with one intention: to establish a relationship with them to facilitate either online or offline sexual contact.
What are the risks?
The most obvious danger to come from an inappropriate online relationship is the chance of meeting offline. The child will often agree to a meeting because they have learnt to trust their online friend.
Child sex offenders are very manipulative, convincing and persistent in their efforts to exploit children. They take advantage of the internet and online tools to access, lure potential victims, produce child sexual abuse materials, and upload and disseminate them.
Even children and teens who don’t go as far as meeting the predator in person may also experience negative effects. They may develop mental-health issues because they have seen pictures or other content they were not mentally and emotionally ready for. They can become depressed or withdrawn and begin to isolate themselves from their family and friends.
Reporting online abuse
Online predators pose a security risk for children and teens, and it is extremely important that youngsters and parents understand the threat and how to deal with it.
The first step is being aware of the danger. The next is to know what measures you can take to combat the risk. Being educated on online safety is more important than ever.
Visit https://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/how-protect-your-children-online-predators for more info and practical safety tips to ensure children do not fall prey to online predators.
Helplines
. GBV Command Centre – The GBV command centre provides an avenue for reporting online violations of children, cyberbullying and child trafficking, by children themselves and their parents – 0800 428 428.. Childline supports reporting of all forms of violations through their helpline and also provides online counselling. Childline Toll Free – 116.. SA Resource Line for cases of child trafficking: Human Trafficking Hotline – 0800 222 777.
(Source: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/how-protect-your-children-online-predators)
