The Dark Side Of The Internet (Part Two)
In the past, I've discussed some of the more well-known online threats to a child's safety and innocence. These include: pedophiles, pornography, gambling, hate groups and cyber bullying.
In this article, I'll reveal some of the lesser known threats available online. Very few parents are aware of these threats.
Threat #1: Cyber-Terrorism:
Did you know that some terrorist groups are recruiting new members through MySpace? Some MySpace blogs refer to the 19 terrorists who attack the World Trade Center on Sept 11, 2001 as the "Magnificent 19."
And ABC News reports that the terrorist group Al Qaida has switched over from using secret internet forums and bulletin boards and is now conducting their activities on MySpace.
Threat #2: Online Gaming
Not only are online gaming sessions becoming more and more addictive, but there's a couple of hidden threats inside this already veiled threat.
First of all, many of these games are getting increasingly violent, with an emphasis on killing and war. For some parents, that's a problem. For others, it's not a viewed as a problem.
But one thing that everyone will view as a problem is the ability for pedophiles to target kids through these games.
You see, many online games have a chat function where players can chat with other players all over the world. But some pedophiles are starting to use these games to chat with kids while they are distracted with the game play.
Threat #3: "Thinspiration"
There are some websites online that actually promote anorexia and bulimia.
However, on the surface, these websites and forums actually look like support groups.
The threat I'm referring to is known as "thinspiration."
Thinspiration as defined by Wikepida is "a term that refers to a role model used by people (typically individuals with eating disorders) to inspire them to lose weight."
On Thinspiration forums and within Thinspiration communities, members post pictures of famous thin women that they'd like to emulate.
Popular choices include: Nicole Ritchie, Kate Moss, Calista Flockhart and many other bony celebrities, models and actresses.
Thinspiration is part of a larger problem, namely a Pro-Anorexia websites. While proponents of these websites say that they are set up for support, many doctors believe that these websites actually encourage women to continue to strive for unrealistic body weight goals.
Threat #4: Lawsuits
Anna Draker is a vice principle at a Texas high school. She had to discipline two boys and they decided to get revenge. How? By creating a fake MySpace page with her picture. The boys even went so far as to claim she was a lesbian.
When Anna Draker discovered the website, she decided to sue. Not the boys, but the parents of the boys. Parents need to be aware that legally, you can be held responsible for what your child is doing online.
Threat #5: The Unknown
Overall, the biggest threat to your child is the unknown. I could write 50 articles naming each and every online danger zone but there'd would still be new threats popping up each and every week.
That's why I urge parents to adopt a strategy of 100% awareness.
Matt Marshall is the author of "Behind Your Back & Under Your Nose: What Your Kids Are Really Doing Online." He teaches concerned parents how to protect their kids from online threats. To get your free report, please visit http://www.WhatEveryParentMustKnow.com
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