Las Vegas NowProtecting Children From Internet Predators

Protecting Children From Internet Predators

Internet Safety Tips For Parents

An international convention of technology specialists is in town and they are taking on the issue of predators and what parents can do to protect their children.

The stories of internet predators are endless with children letting their guards down on everything from MySpace to chat rooms. However, parents don't have to sit back waiting for something to happen.

At the convention a magazine is being handed out at and inside it tells parents how they can protect their children from internet predators. One site that is mentioned is MySpace.com.

Marcellina Cook is the parent of six-year-old Dominique who loves video games and computers. His younger brother, Davion, watches his every move.

"You can't sit over their shoulder and watch them every minute," Cook said.

Information Week Magazine Editor-in-Chief Rob Preston says protecting kids was the motivation behind this article.

"It's really easy bait, kids tend to be more trusting online," Preston explained.

And one of his concerns comes with social websites like MySpace.

"You have probably seen the news reports where dead bodies have shown up because kids have gone to these social networking sites," Preston added.

Preston also told Eyewitness News that their other networking sites for kids six, seven, and eight-years-old.

However, many parents are in the dark when it comes to online chat rooms and social networking.

"I didn't know kids could get on there and its just what the website says-- its their space-- their bedroom with closed doors," Cook said.

But Preston says parental control doesn't have to be lost in cyberspace. Preston said, "You want them to be online in your home under your supervision."

Experts say it's important to know where they are going and to limit their time on the internet.

Preston said parents such as Cook should let their children know there's trouble out there.

"That is something my husband and I are going to have to site and screen with them," Cook said.

Now, most parents' first reaction may be to take the computer away from their kids, but experts say they will find a way to get to the internet. They say simply talk to your kids about the dangers.

Click here to email reporter Lindsay Patterson