93% of Kids Age 10-17 Use the Internet (A Nation Online Study – 2002)
82% use the internet for email, chat rooms, and/or visiting websites
44% have visited websites with x-rated content (Time-CNN Poll)
Characteristics of Predators
- Most offenders are male.
- They often hold respectable jobs.
- Offenders tend to relate more easily to children than adults.
- They may seek employment or volunteer opportunities at a child’s organization.
- They can be extremely convincing.
- They rely on the inexperience of their potential victims, and they know what to say and do to gain their trust.
1 in 7 youths between the ages of 10 and 17 has received unwanted sexual solicitations on line.
1 in 25 youths has received an aggressive solicitation to meet somewhere.
14% of solicitations were from offline friends and acquaintances.
Most North Carolina parents (60%) felt their children are at some risk of being contacted or preyed upon by someone they do not know while on the Internet.
Characteristics of a Child Victim
- ANY child, including those who may be performing well in school and socializing
with a “good” crowd of friends - Naturally curious
- Too trusting
- Easily led by adults
- Desire attention and affection
- Curious about sex
- Need to defy parents
1 in 3 youths (34%) has been exposed to
sexually explicit pictures online without seeking or expecting them.
Most North Carolina parents (80%) expressed concern
Consult these helpful articles to stay abreast of Internet Safety for yourself and your family:
