Article
It Takes a Village
Together, we can all put an end to internet sexual predators. But the solutions have to come from five different directions.
- 1. Government: The government needs to take a more proactive role in adopting laws to criminalize certain activities, support findings, and do more research to discover the extent of the risks and fund the solutions. Reach out to your local officials and let them know how important this is.
- 2. Law enforcement: Law Enforcement's responsibilities include preventing and investigating crimes, policing cyberspace and putting the bad guys behind bars. They need to start conducting training sessions and certifying law enforcement officers who are trained in Internet sexual predator issues. They should create task forces to allow them to work together better and share resources with each other, and they need to connect with non-profits and the Internet industry to work from the inside.
- 3. The internet industry: They need to start creating safer technologies. In addition, they should start working more closely with law enforcement and non-profit groups and assisting the government in finding answers. Also, internet sites and networks should start working to provide technology tools for children, preteens, teens and parents, screen content and users, provide safety tips and information, and help fund solutions.
- 4. Parents and teachers: Adults need to spend more time learning about the latest technology, how things work, and what parental tools are out there. They also need to learn how to educate their students and kids with the right balance between protection and paranoia. Lastly, they should get help from teen family members and students on supervising their kids.
- 5. Teens and preteens (that's you!): You guys have a special role in learning the tricks and tips, finding the hidden risks in new technologies and offering your unique expertise on safety. Start speaking in your community about this ... get involved in Girl Scouts ... learn how to work with younger kids ... help your parents and aunts and uncles understand more ... and teach your siblings (and any kids you babysit for) about safety, and doing research. Through Girl Scouts and programs like this, teens like you can educate yourself and each other. You can also report or ask your parents to report what you find to cybertipline.org, and talk to friends who are engaging in online risky relationships.