Internet
safety
- Child exploitation has devastating effects on children, both physical and mental
- Exploitative adul6s have been quick to use the Internet as a tool; they are very sophisticated and well practised in how they approach children
- Children are fascinated by the 'adult' world, but there are measures you can take to protect your child from online risks and help them make the most of the Internet safely
- Be sensitive to changes in your child's behaviour. It is up to attentive adults to recognise the signs of sexual exploitation
- Recent research from the NSPCC revealed that one in five 9 to 16 year-olds use Internet chat rooms
New technology, old problem
Risks from the Internet
The Internet has proved a useful tool for people wishing to
exploit children. Recent high profile cases in
the news have revealed that Internet chat rooms can be used by
paedophiles to establish deceptive relationships with
children. They then 'groom' children to become
victims, either psychologically on the Internet itself, or by
arranging to actually meet with them. Often
victims believe that they are chatting to other children
online.
Internet pornography can cause psychological damage to
children who are exposed to it. But worse still,
the Internet is a major method by which pornographic images of
children are obtained and exchanged by exploitative
adults. Sadly such images are in high demand, so
pornographers will go to extreme lengths to entice and coerce
children into getting involved against their will.
Making it safe to surf
There are ways in which you can help to protect your child
online and ensure that the Internet is a safe way to learn and have
fun.
Ask your Internet Service Provider or local computer
specialist about installing parental controls, which can prevent
your child accessing websites with sexual
content. These methods cannot provide a total
safeguard but do offer some degree of protection.
Learn all you can about the Internet. In
the same way that you would teach your child about the dangers from
strangers, warn your child about dangers on the Internet and lay
down some ground rules regarding the time they spend
online. If possible avoid your child going
online in private, or at least ensure you have access to their
computer. Make sure that they know they should
never arrange to meet a new friend made on the Internet without a
trusted adult present.
Watch out for possible signs of exploitation or
abuse. Some of these signs are often completely
innocent, but look out for changes in your child's moor or
behaviour, sleep disturbances or bed wetting, unexplained marks,
problems at school, going missing or self-harm, asking about sexual
experiences and terminology or evidence of pornographic
material. Be especially aware of any new
friendships between your child and older people, whether male or
female.
If your child does experience some form of exploitation,
whether mild or severe, it is crucial to be 100% supportive, make
it clear that it is not their fault and that you are there to help
and protect them no matter what.
Make contact
Local police and Children's Services have specialist teams who
are specially trained to counter these forms of exploitation and
offer support to children and parents.
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Warning SignsProlonged, secretive periods on the Internet,
changes in behaviour or mood, inappropriate sexual behaviour,
asking questions about sexual experiences or terminology, leaving
pornographic material, diaries or letters where they can be
found.
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ActionIf you think your child has been exposed to any
form of exploitation encourage them to confide in you, assuring
them that they've done nothing wrong and that you will support
them. Contact child protection, youth services,
child abuse or other appropriate organisations for further advice
and support.
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What to sayAssure your child that you believe what they are
telling you; create a positive sense of confidence between
you. Explain in your own way why these things
happen and avoid making them feel ashamed or foolish about what
they have experienced. Let them know that you
will protect them from further harm.
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PreventionKnow where your child is; be familiar with their friends and
daily activities. Teach your child to trust
their own feelings and assure them that they have a right to say NO
to what they sense is wrong.
Listen carefully to your child's fears and be
supportive.
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ContactsChild and Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit 0845 456
4564
Peterborough City Council Intake and Assessment 01733
746460
Childnet International 0207 639 6967
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Who has produced this handbook?
This handbook has been produced by Peterborough
Safeguarding Children Board with additional funding from
Peterborough City Council.