The Dangers of Talking to Strangers

By Shae, April 2007

Your teen is at-risk of being sexually defiled, targeted to be a victim of identity theft, or even killed if they talk to strangers on the Internet. Teens are one of the worlds fastest growing internet user groups logging on to the world wide net. Though the Internet is an incredible tool for the rising generation it can also be one big trap. Great self control and mature judgment must be used to avoid incredible consequences. Unfortunately the most affected group of teens are those who are troubled or rebellious. Troubled teens who want emancipation from parental authority are far more susceptible to Internet predators because of their vulnerable emotional state.

A recent study done by Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA), for ages 10-17, suggests that youth who have high levels of conflict and low levels of communication with their parents are more likely to have close online relationships. These online relationships range anywhere from acquaintances to romantic interests. The bottom line is your teen is talking to strangers everyday in your own home, and they are putting themselves, and your family in danger.

The danger is real. Internet related crimes account for an incalculable amount of victims every year. In New Jersey, a 14 year old girl was found naked and murdered in a trash can after allegedly conversing with an older man on her social networking site (Marvel & Churnin, 2006). In Seattle, a 19 year old teen found $40,000 worth of charges in his name—billed to him when he was 7 years old. The fraud went undetected for a decade, and only when he applied for the job did he realize he had fallen victim to internet related identity theft. Sadly, reports like these are not unique.

Children and teenagers are a perfect target for predators because they are often naive, adventuresome, and eager for attention and affection. The PCAA reported that 75 percent of children are willing to share personal information online about themselves and their families in exchange for goods or food. On top of this, the Internet provides the predator to hide behind any alias they choose. Your teen may think he/she is talking to a sixteen year old, when in reality they are talking to an adult. The Internet not only provides anonymity, it has also dramatically increases the access of sex offenders to the population they seek. The Office for Victims of Crimes Bulletin reported that from 1996 to 2001, FBI-investigated cases of child pornography and sexual solicitation in chat rooms precipitously increased from 113 to 1,559, and that was just the crimes that were reported.

As you begin to ponder the arduous task of monitoring your teens Internet access, you will become overwhelmed. If your teen wants to get on the Internet, your teen can and will. The Internet can be found at your local Library, at most high-school computer labs, and in more than half of the American homes. Studies suggest that teens who are defiant, disrespectful, or involved in other risky behaviors are more likely to participate in risky behaviors online. If you are struggling with your teens attitude and willingness to obey in other aspects of their behavior making rules about computer usage in the home may not be enough to protect your child.

If you think your teenager is at risk the time to act is now. Internet crimes happen to teens everyday, don’t let your teen fall victim.

Sources

  • Deborah Bach. (2005). Teaching teens about identity theft. Retrieved March 29, 2007 from www.seattlepi.nwsource.com
  • Martinez, A. R. (2006). Is MySpace safe? Retrieved March 28, 2007 from www.themonitor.com
  • Marvel, B. & Churnin, N. (2006, March). Parents fear MySpace is playground for pedophiles. The Dallas Morning News, p. 1A, 26A.
  • Prevent Child Abuse America. Resolution 5.9.03 Sexual Solicitation of Youth on the Internet. Retrieved March 27, 2007 from www.preventchildabuse.org
  • Office for Victims of Crimes (OVC) Bulletin. (2001, December). Retrieved March 26, 2007 at www.ojp.usdoj.gov
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