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The Real Statistics on Predators

So now you've heard a lot about sexual predators: who they are, how they may look, and how they may act. You've also heard about all the hype that surrounds them. Now, we've got the real facts from WiredSafety:

• About 30% of the victims of Internet sexual exploitation are boys!
• Internet sexual predators tend to fall between the ages of 18 and 55, although some are older or younger. Their targets tend to be between the ages of 11 and 15.
• Internet sexual predators are not technically “pedophiles.” Pedophiles look for young children, before they have reached puberty. Internet sexual predators tend to look for young teens.
• Some sexual predators never want to meet their victims in real life. Many are satisfied “cybering” or sharing pics. Some collect conversations or track vulnerable teens and preteens. Some use webcams to blackmail teens into doing things on video.

And here's the most important -- and most encouraging -- statistic:

• The greatest danger lies in the people you willingly meet in real life, after having only known them in cyberspace. They're not the slimy fat slobs with cigars that stalk you at your home. They are people you've invited in. (Although they may still be slimy fat cigar-smoking creeps!) And in 100% of the cases Parry Aftab has reviewed, teens that are the victims of sexual predators have gone willingly to meet with them. That means it’s 100% preventable!

Make sure that you keep your friends safe too. If you know any of them are involved with someone they met online, talk with them about the risks. If they aren’t listening to you, it is time to tell. Better to have an upset friend than risk the consequences.