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Tips for protecting your child from an online predator

By: M. Coughlan

Pedophiles don't look like the picture that many people have in their mind about them, they don't look like the dirty old man hanging out by the arcade, or in an alley. Quite often they are people in authority, a camp counselor, the person sitting next to you in church, or an engineer. the point is that they will make sure they don't look like a threat at all. there is no sure way to tell who they might be, so don't start a witch hunt yet. Remember these are common traits, but do not assume that someone that exhibits these Traits prove that they are a pedophile, however, these traits along with questionable behavior should be an alert that something may be wrong.

Here are some traits that will help you identify possible problems.

They often prefer the company of children over that of adults.
Many times they will date or even marry single mothers with children of their preferred age.
They will usually appear to be respectable citizens, and often have a good standing in their community.
The pedophile will often (but not always) be well educated, or religious.
Often their home will have video games, toys, computers, books, a pool, swing sets, even if they have no children, anything to keep children coming to their home.
"Grooms" children with quality time, video games, parties, candy, toys, gifts, money.
They will often be family men with no criminal record, keep in mind that pedophilia is one of the most under reported crimes today.
Pedophiles will go to great lengths to gain access to children, even going so far as joining church groups, or being a coach, or coaches assistant.
95% of child molesters are male.
They will often describe children in pure or angelic terms, heavenly, devine, pure, or other words that may well describe children but are exaggerated.
they may also have hobbies that are child-like such as collecting expensive popular toys or video games.
Pedophiles will often befriend children, building their self esteem, referring to them as special or mature.

Things that may be an indication of trouble;

Your child immediately closes their chat session when you arrive.
Changes in your Childs grades or attitude.
Spending large amounts of time online.
Mysterious gifts.
Calls from strangers.
Hiding the computer screen from your view.
The presence of pornography.

What to do if there is an indication of trouble?
Consider having a discussion with your child.
Move the computer out of the Childs room.
Look at what is on your Childs computer.
use caller id.
and if there is an alarming situation that arises, call your local law enforcement agency, or the FBI, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Article Source: Main Articles

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