No matter what steps you take now, it’s possible that your child has already been targeted by predators.  Here are some warning signs to watch for.

• Your child spends lots of time online, especially at night
• Your child closes windows or browsers suddenly when you enter the room
• Your child becomes withdrawn and moody
• You find pornography on your child’s computer
• Your child makes or receives calls from numbers you don’t recognize
• Your child receives unexpected gifts or packages from people you don’t know

If you suspect you child is being targeted, here are some things you and your child can do.

• Assure your child that what happened was not his fault.  Make sure he feels comfortable talking to you.
• Contact your local police with any information you have on those targeting your child: screen names, email addresses, chat logs, or phone numbers.
• Immediately delete all your child’s email, instant messaging, and blog accounts.  Create new ones with age and gender neutral names.
• Get rid of any webcams your child has access to.  Predators often manipulate children into sending pictures of themselves using webcams.
• Go over your child’s friends lists.  Make sure their friends are all people they actually know in real life.
• Review your child’s profiles and blogs. 
• Put your child’s computer in a public area, such as the living room or kitchen.