When Computer Monitoring Software is a Must

Children have always been vulnerable to victimization. Their trusting natures and naivete make them perfect targets for perpetrators—both people they know and those they don’t.

As children grow into adolescents, they remain vulnerable to victimization.Youth are often curious and eager to try new things. Many youth struggle with issues of rebellion and independence and seek attention and affection from people outside the home, often by using computers. Today, an estimated 77 million children are using the Internet. 

With so many children online, predators can easily find and exploit them. For predators, the Internet is a new, effective, and more anonymous way to seek out and groom children for criminal purposes such as producing and distributing child pornography, contacting and stalking children for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts, and exploiting children for sexual tourism for personal and commercial purposes.

The nature of Internet crimes presents complex new challenges for law enforcement agencies and victim service providers with regard to investigating crimes, collecting evidence, identifying and apprehending offenders, and assisting child victims and their families. For example, victims and perpetrators are often separated geographically, which may hamper investigation efforts. Also, victims are often ashamed and reluctant to come forward, which makes identifying offenders difficult.These challenges are being addressed by federal and local law enforcement agencies, but there is still much to learn about preventing, identifying, and investigating Internet-based crimes against children.

• Internet Dangers for Children
  
  The internet is a very dangerous place for children. According to a survey by Crimes Against Children Research Center, one in five youth who regularly use the Internet received sexual solicitations.
• Types of Internet Victimization
  
  Children and teenagers can and do become victims of Internet crimes. Information on how Predators contact teenagers and children over the Internet and victimize them.
• Characteristics of Internet Crimes
  
  Several characteristics distinguish Internet crimes from other crimes committed against children.
• Signs of a High Risk Child
  
  Signs to look for if you think your child is at risk for an Internet predator.
• Sexual Predator and Your Child
• Minimizing Your Child's Risk