Internet Safety

Save your kids' life - Learn the Lingo

By Samantha Wilson

"HORU?" He asks. "Y" she teases. "MOF?" He pries. "F" she replies. "WBMGF?" She giggles, "GTG POS TTYRS."

If you are a parent, and you don't know what you just read is someone trying to pick up a twelve year old girl on line, stop what you're doing and sit down, because you may save your child's life.

The Internet is the fastest access to your child for predators, pedophiles and other deviants. At least 20% of the millions of children who use the Internet have received pornographic material or direct advances through chat rooms, instant messaging and e-mails.

Just because your computer is in the middle of the family room, means nothing. If your child is on instant messaging, their safety is seriously at risk, especially if you don't have a clue what they are saying and to whom.

Predators chat in net lingo to confuse any non-chat on lookers, like parents. If a predator talks like a teenager and understands pop culture, he is more likely to capture the information he needs to lead him directly to your child.

What does he need to find your child? Anything personal. Kids know not to give their name, address and phone number, but predators need less than that to find them. All he needs is something as simple as what sports team your child plays on or where he likes to hang out. Innocent conversation quickly becomes revealing details.

As a parent, what can you do short of removing the computer from your house? Learn the lingo. Ask your kids to show you how they get into chat rooms and explain what they are saying. Go to www.netlingo.com for some added help Tell your kids to trust their instincts and always be suspicious of everyone on line that they do not know personally Never give out anything personal i.e. siblings names, pet names, hobbies Google your kid. Go to www.google.com and enter their name. See if there is any information on your child Tell your child to NEVER go alone to meet anyone they have met on line - EVER If you don't know how to use the Internet take a class. There are lots of free classes at local libraries that will help you learn more

Finally, show your kids that you love them by being interested in this new world they are playing in. Keep talking to your kids and they will talk to you.

BGUTI (better get used to it) because it is not going away!