It is inevitable that children should be taught how to use computers and how to go online. This is something we cannot deprive them as it is related to almost all the things we do including study. However, this is usually the venue where a lot of crimes are committed like extracting of personal and financial information on credit cards, robbery, abduction and proliferating now on the net is cybersex and pornography.
Children should be told on how to handle strangers when they encounter them online.
- Do not be deceived by their profile and their looks. They usually appear clean, friendly and polite because they want to gain your confidence.
- Not all friends of your friends are legitimate friends. They may have just been added on their contact list by accident.
- Confirm from the source if he knows this person personally.
- Even if your friend confirms he knows the person, you are not obligated to make friends with him.
- Never give out any personal information like telephone number, address and names.
- Never use online as a medium to make personal relationship. It is a good way to reach your real friends but be very careful to whom you discuss personal matters.
- These crooks will invest a lot of time and effort to win your attention. He will probably send you regular caring messages. If you do not acknowledge his messages he will eventually stop from pestering you.
- Tell an adult if you anyone is harassing you and report it to authorities.