Look for these "RED FLAGS"
The following are some more "red flags" to help you recognize when you may be in contact with a predator:
Someone sends you pornographic pictures.
Online predators often supply their potential victims with pornography as a means of luring them and opening sexual discussions. Child pornography may be used to try and show the potential victim that sex between children and adults is "normal." (Don't believe them, be smarter than them, take action and tell someone, anyone, your parent or a teacher).
An online contact is asking you for your phone number and/or giving you their number so you can call them.
Most computer-sex offenders want to talk to children on the telephone and will ask you for your phone number. Computer-sex offenders will want to give you their phone number, too. If you call them they can get your number by using Caller ID.
Someone you met online wants to meet you in person.
Remember, online predators are dangerous and attempt to take advantage of and hurt kids. Some of these people try to get kids to meet them in person and might trick you by saying they want to give you a gift or they need help with a problem. NEVER arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone you meet online. If you feel like you have to meet an online contact in person, ALWAYS ask your parents first, ALWAYS meet in a public place, and NEVER go alone.
Most kids that fall victim to computer-sex offenders spend large amounts of time online, particularly in chat rooms and are at the greatest risk during the evening hours. Most online predators work during the day and spend their evenings online trying to locate and lure children or seeking pornography. Online predators can be male or female and may be any age.
If somebody says something to you, sends you something, or you see something that makes you uncomfortable, don't look around or explore; trust your instincts and get your parents instead - they know what to do.
