Photo credit: banspy

I had always wondered how otherwise-savvy kids get duped into rendezvousing with people they meet online (sometimes to tragic end).  But I recently learned that most predators will communicate with a child for three to six months before suggesting an in-person meeting. Over such an extended period, they are able to build a rapport and a credible story about who are (but really aren’t). They know the latest music and interests of children. They listen empathetically. Only very gradually do they interject any sexually explicit chat.

I found this European site, chatdanger.com, interesting and helpful (and more balanced than its name suggests). It’s divided into sections for cell phones, chat, email, messenger and games. For each it offers a real example of how a child was put in danger, as well as concrete tips/perspectives for kids and parents. For example, think your child doesn’t go to “chat rooms”? Well, many online gaming sites are actually chat rooms in disguise. And many have voice chat. There’s lots of valuable information here–check it out.