Internet Safety
Posted on September 24, 2009, by Maureen Stepniewski, under Computer.
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If your child types PIR or POS in an instant message, they may be telling their friend that there is a “parent in the room” or there is a “parent over their shoulder.” Do you know how to take care of your child online? You may want to tell them to follow the 4R’s:
Recognize, Refuse, Respond, Report
According to iSafe online, there are six stages that you need to recognize.
- “In Stage 1 of the grooming process, Internet predators typically collect information from your profile or chat, disguise their own identity, and pretend to have common interests with you.
- In Stage 2, they typically support your point of view in online conflicts or offline arguments that you tell them about, pretend to be the only person who understands you, and become your IM or chat buddy.
- In Stage 3, they typically ask you to keep the friendship a secret, exchange email addresses and phone numbers with you, and use more adult-oriented language and materials.”
If you want to know all six stages visit iSafe, an Internet Safety Project endorsed by the Diocese of Dallas, or read our next, “Did You Know…”
Just reading some of this can send chills up our spines, I know. Be aware and know what your child is doing online and on their cell phone, but also have faith. Sometimes PIR just means “pizza in the refrigerator.”
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