Technology Predators Are On The Rise More Than Ever
It has always been an issue, but just how bad are technology predators and abuse among teens and young adults? What researchers found is worrying. Their studies show that 9 percent of youth, ages 14-2, 1 admitted to some kind of forced sexual contact, using tactics like guilt, threats, and physical force, and between 6 and 15 percent of men have admitted to committing acts that meet the legal definition of rape.
What is more disturbing is that between 64 and 96 percent of rapes in the United States never get reported to authorities. Now, children as young as eight-years-old are being blackmailed into performing sexual acts with webcams through the internet.
These teens, who are being threatened often don’t see a way out. They are afraid of what could happen to them and, in some cases they harm themselves as a result. Predators will threaten to blackmail victims if they do not do as told. With this in mind, it is crucial that parents pay close attention to their children and behavior patterns. You should also be aware of internet patterns and internet history of your teens. Know what kinds of sites they are engaging in and have open conversations with them about their relationships.
While there has been recent progress in tracking down these predators, parents can help efforts by being aware of the behaviors of their teens. Schools can help by promoting safe outlets for teens to share with adults what is happening to them.
This issue is more common than many see. Don’t allow your child to become the victim of this terrible abuse.
Source: NBC News, “Forced Sexual Contact Common among Teens, Study Suggest.” Maggle Fox, October 8, 2013.