Diocese Issues Warning About Internet Predators

 
      Gail Fromm, Diocesan compliance officer, cautions everyone that sexual predators are using the internet to solicit potential victims.

“The use of the computer and specifically the internet has broadened and enriched our lives tremendously. Of course, as with all good things there are people who will abuse it for their own gain,” she said. “Some of the new and interesting ways our youth communicate on the internet are easy targets for the offender to gain access to children.

Parents need to be aware that sexual predators are online every day searching for their prey (your innocent children).”

Mrs. Fromm, who oversees compliance with the U.S. Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, suggests ways for parents to be vigilant regarding their children’s use of the internet:

--Always keep the computer in a common room where you can see it and what your child is viewing.

--Talk to your child about this issue. Make sure they are aware that not everyone is honest about what they say or post on the internet.

--Place parental controls on your internet provider system so kids won’t be exposed to inappropriate content.

--Set specific internet ground rules for both your own home and when your child is away from home.

--Make sure your child understands that meeting someone in person that he/she has met on the internet must be with your permission and never kept a secret.

“Our goal is to keep our children safe. The best way to do that is to communicate with your child about the good and the bad of using the internet,” Mrs. Fromm said.

For more comprehensive information on internet predators, go to www.kidsafecyberspace.com or www.virtusonline.org.