What children are at risk?

Some young people are particularly vulnerable to online predators.

May display some of the following traits:

~new online & unfamiliar with netiquette. But even the most web savvy teens can be seduced by predators who are good at what they do.

~Actively seeking attention or affection

~Rebellious

~isolated/lonely

~Curious

~Confused regarding sexual identity

~Easily tricked by adults

~Allured by subcultures outside of parents' world.

Here are some characteristics of typical victims:

-most but not all victims are between the age of 12 & 15

-Most victims have an instant message account but haven't set up privacy or security settings & willingly engage in conversations with strangers.

-live in suburban or rural towns

-are very sheltered & naive

-tend to be loners with few offline friends.

-tend to spend more than 90 minutes online after homework per day

-are secretive about their internet activities

-tend to have few activities outside of the internet.

Just because your child matches one or more of these characteristics does not mean they are being targeted by predators. However, your child is not perfectly safe if they match none of these characteristics.

Be an involved parent. Ask your child questions. Explain why you want to know this info.

Open & honest.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me for a FREE consultation.

your_girl_amy@yahoo.com

Online grooming~~ How a predator picks their victims

An online predator goes online & searches until he sees a potential victim who fits his age, gender, & other preferences. These will vary from predator to predator.

The predator begins to gather info about the potential victim.

This is how he/she bonds with the victim. They find out what they like & dislike, what kind of home life they have.

Predator will look at the child's demeanor, personality, dress, & financial status.

They are looking for the child's interests & vulnerabilities at the same time.

Now this process doesn't occur over night. It usually goes on for months.

Predators prefer children of a single mom. Think about it...the mom usually has to work which means the child is home alone if old enough. They have more time to play around online without interruption.

Predators are skilled at knowing the emotional & physical needs of children.

And they prey on these needs.

As I've stated before, teens are vulnerable emotionally. A predator talks to them like a friend. Consoling them, agreeing with them. Makes the child identify with the predator & creates the bond.

The predator begins to talk to them more & more. Emailing. Possibly texting.

They sometimes wait a bit before introducing sexual stuff in the conversation.

But there are always those who jump right in.

Sometimes even if the child doesn't feel comfortable with this type of talk, they go along with it because they do not want to lose this new friendship with this person who supposedly completely understands them.

If your child doesn't have a webcam, the predator may purchase one for them & mail it over. Be on the lookout for this. Prohibit webcams.

Stress to your child that once you email, post, or text a photo of yourself, it's out there & you can never get it back.

Kids do not always get that. They think that whoever they are sending that picture to would never share it. Well, these predators will! It will show up online somewhere you do not want it & may never know it's there most likely.

The predator may start sending gifts too. Be on the lookout for this as well.

Could mean your child has already started sending pics, but could just be a way for the predator to better bond with your child.

They are weaseling their way in by buying your child.

This is the beginning of the process and if you keep your eyes open, you can see it happening.

Have any questions? feel free to contact me

your_girl_amy@yahoo.com

Abusive Personalities

Do you know the signs of an abusive personality?
I do.

Sneak peak:
1. Quick involvement- only dates for 6 months or less before talking you into moving in.
2. Unrealistic Expectations- very dependent on you for everything.
3. Isolation- tries to cut you off from friends & family
4. Playful use of force during sex- likes throwing you down, holding your wrists, jumping on top of you, or holding you up against the wall to have sex
5. Verbal abuse- constantly criticizes you

There are 5 more.

email me your_girl_amy@yahoo.com

I have a passion

Your passions stir your actions!

I've mentioned I have 2 Bachelor degrees, 1 in Social Work & 1 in Psychology.
I have always known that I am a "helper"
That is my goal in life, to help as many people as I can.

When I found Zoe & Katapult Enterprises, I just knew that I was meant to be a life coach & was meant to work with Zoe.
Life coaching is another way for me to help.

I interned at the Child Advocacy Center local to me so I have seen a lot of heartache. I know what is feels like to ache for others.

I am a single mom. It hasn't always been a pleasant ride for me. I built a support system & was able to make it.

Maybe I have walked in your shoes.........

email me, I can help.
your_girl_amy@yahoo.com