INTERNET SAFETY “The Water Hole”

Developed by Officer Ken Thaxter West Bridgewater Police Department

The water hole is a place where animals go to find water. Both predators and prey are there.

There are many types of predators and prey at the water hole. This is the place where all of these different animals who would not normally be together will meet.

Prey animals stay close to each other for protection. This is called “strength in numbers.” Some animals act as a lookout for dangerous predators.

Predators will often hide or disguise themselves to allow them to get close their prey.

Predators look for young or weak animals because they are easier to catch and kill. They also look for animals that have been separated from the rest of the pack.

They will attack when their pray are unaware of any danger or are vulnerable.

The internet is like a large water hole. It is a place where people “meet”,and brings together all different types of people. It also attracts “INTERNET PREDATORS” who use the internet as a place to contact and stalk their PREY.

Who are internet predators? They are criminals who use the internet to find victims. Their crimes can range from stealing peoples money to kidnapping and harming other people.

Who are the “prey” Many times the prey are teen-agers who are depressed or who don’t have any friends. They go to the internet to meet and talk with other teens on-line.

Internet Predators choose the internet because it gives them access to anyone who uses the internet. Before the internet was available, predators would have to go directly to places where young people were. This made it much easier to identify predators. Now, predators can “hide” on the internet from anywhere.

Internet predators will often disguise their true identities or “hide” just like the predators at the water hole. They will “stalk” their victims by pretending to be their friend. Predators may lie and say that they are also a teen. They use the anonymity of the internet as their disguise !

Internet predators may try to start “secret friendships” They may encourage their prey not to tell anyone. This is how they break up the “strength in numbers”. The predator’s goal is to set up a meeting in person.

Another type of Internet Predator tries to steal your money or identity They will offer you free prizes if you give your information. They may tell you that you can make a lot of money. These may be dangerous SCAMS

Predators may offer free clothing or “modeling contracts” to teens in exchange for photos and information about them.

HOW CAN TEENS SAFELY NAVIGATE THROUGH THE WATER HOLE OF THE INTERNET ?

Safety Rules Remember that Internet Predators may be watching what you are doing on line. People are not always what they say they are on line. On-Line Friends are Strangers ! NEVER agree to meet in person with anyone that you have met on-line ! Never give out your personal information on line to anyone.

Talk to a “TRUSTED” adult If someone on-line asks to meet you in person. If a friend tells you that they are meeting someone they spoke to on-line If someone asks for your picture or any other personal information

REMEMBER !! YOU SHOULD TELL A TRUSTED ADULT ANYTIME THAT YOU SEE SOMETHING ON - LINE THAT MAKES YOU EMBARRASSED OR UNCOMFORTABLE !

Questions ?