nut , went downtown , posed as a client , and rescued her . ( They should turn that into a movie !)
Protecting Your Kids from Predators
So how can you protect your teens from these predators ? Here are a few tips :
First and foremost , connect with your kids regularly so they feel loved , noticed , and heard . This might sound like a no-brainer , but think about it for a moment : Most of the kids who respond to predators do so because they crave attention they aren ’ t getting at home . Predators are masters at listening and validating your kids ’ feelings . Are you ?
Don ’ t freak out . Overreacting doesn ’ t protect your kids ; it actually puts them in more danger . If you discover that your kids have connected with a predator or engaged in inappropriate conversations , don ’ t make them feel like it ’ s their fault . Become a safe source they can come to if they mess up . You can correct them ; just don ’ t shame them .
Talk with your kids about this issue calmly . Don ’ t try to scare them . They don ’ t need to be afraid ; they need to be aware . Take your kids through a teen ’ s guide to becoming screenwise and share true stories about these kinds of situations , including practical tips that will help your kids recognize predatory behaviors .
Talk with your kids about their social media profiles . Friend or follow them on social media . Be present in their online lives . Many social media platforms give you the option of setting notifications on your phone whenever one of your “ friends ” posts something . Don ’ t post about your kids or comment ; this will just embarrass them . Don ’ t even “ like ” every post . Instead , talk with your kids about their posts , and focus on encouraging them more than correcting them .
Help your kids modify the privacy settings on all of their social media platforms , including the chat or communication settings for their
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games . Many platforms default to “ public .” Teach your kids how to switch those settings to “ private ” and explain why it ’ s important not to give strangers free access to all of their pictures .
Teach your kids to avoid posting locations of the places they frequent , and to never post pictures in front of your house .
Also teach them to be careful whom they share personal information with . They should never share their phone number or address , or even their last name with someone they meet online .
And yes , I ’ m going to say it again : Don ’ t allow their phones or any devices in the bedroom . Predators love late-night conversations .
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