Protect & Prevent - Protecting Prepubescent Children From Online Predators

Every day it seems I witness young kids playing online and I wonder if the adult in their lives have any idea the danger that child is in. Most parents that hand a young child a device mean well and they say to themselves, "I will keep an eye on them" and "I am sure my child will tell me if something is wrong". It is well meaning and they are not bad parents. However, few parents understand how pedophiles access, groom and seduce our young kids into participating in online sex games.

Recently, Million Kids highlighted a case of a 31-year-old pedophile who had exploited more than 60 young girls between the ages of 9 and 12. He used fake images, made himself look like a young girl and he convinced them to send him videos or sexual images that mirrored the sexually graphic images he had sent to the girls.

Pedophiles often send young kids (both boys and girls) videos of kids playing house or sex games, and young kids giggle and find it funny. Trust me, it is a natural response to young kids. Young kids are cute and funny and they want everyone to love them and like them. AND THEY ARE VERY GOOD AT USING TECHNOLOGY! So they make a video just like the one they received and send it off to their new found friend.

That means that the first sexual encounter these young victims have will be one of exploitation and it will change their lives for ever. No only can they not get the image back - EVER-, they have experienced child pornography long before they are old enough to understand what a healthy sexual relationship between adults should be about.

There are many healthy choices for online interaction that does not need to make your child available to predators online. Go to Millionkids.org/resources for suggestions.

Thank you for listening. Please follow us at MillionKids.org and share this podcast with everyone who has a young child.