On-Line+Predators

= On-Line Predators = An on-line predator is someone on the internet who exploits vulnerable people. Many have sexual or financial purposes and often choose young people and the elderly as their victims. On-line predators come in all shapes and sizes and are virtually anonymous on the web. It is difficult for most people to identify an on-line predator until it is too late. The anonymity of the Internet means that trust and intimacy can develop quickly online. Predators take advantage of this anonymity to build online relationships with inexperienced young people. Children should know the [|precautions necessary] to protect themselves from on-line predators.

Jeremy's Friend
School sucks, no one understands you and your parents don’t seem to care. Meet Jeremy. He’s having a hard time at school, his parents are always nagging him about something and life is pretty miserable. But he can escape it all in cyberspace. He’s a great gamer with friends all over the world who understand him and all the crap going on in his life. And then one day, he decides to meet one of his online friends. This clip tells the truth about Jeremy’s friend. http://www.wiseuptoit.com.au/videoclips.htm 1. Can you ever really tell if someone online is who they say they are if you don't know them offline? 2. Online predators sometimes try to pose as other children/teenagers. How might they do this? 3. What can you do if someone makes you feel uncomfortable online?
 * Possible discussion questions:**

"Amy's Choice"
Hear the true story of a 15-year-old girl who left home to meet in person with a man she first "met" online. Read "[|Amy's Story]" — the story from her mother's perspective or listen to [|"Amy's Choice"] using this link from NetZmartz. 1. At what point do you think Amy realized she was in danger? 2. When should Amy have told her parents or a trusted adult what was going on? 3. What were the consequences of Amy's choice? 4. If you have a friend who's thinking about meeting in person with anyone he or she first “met” online, what advice would you give him or her?
 * Possible discussion questions:**

 **The Webs: Kate goes steady**
A look at "the Webs" family retro style. Kate meets someone online. Are the parents hearing what she is saying? media type="custom" key="1030107" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coWxk9t4G0o 1. What do you think of "the Webs?" Are they really in-tune with what Kate is saying? 2. Why do you think that Kate's mom is happy for her? Should she be? 3. Should Kate go steady with the boy? Why or why not?
 * Possible discussion questions:**

** Follow up Activities: **
1. What online safety guidelines would you provide for people your age and younger? Make a list and share them on your blog or wiki.

2. With teacher supervision, search the web for safety tips for using the internet safely and what to do should you come in contact with an on-line predator.