Children as victims.

 

In order to help protect children from online sexual predators, it is important that parents and guardians understand how children’s vulnerabilities may make them susceptible to manipulation by these predators.

Curiosity

Children are naturally curious about sex. By acting as guides, predators can exploit this curiosity and gradually lure children into sexual activity. Adolescents questioning their sexuality are even more at risk, as they may go online with the intent of finding support and companionship.Instead, they may find adults looking to take advantage of this vulnerability.

Need for Attention

Even if children receive ample attention from their families, they still crave it from others, especially those they perceive as older and more mature. Predators may offer children affection and flattery in order to coerce them into sexual acts.

Rebellion

Children may become rebellious when they reach adolescence, and predators can use this to their advantage. A child who is victimized while disobeying parental rules may be reluctant to admit it for fear of being punished.

Respect for Adults

Because children are taught to obey and respect adults, they may be less likely to disobey directions given by an adult, even those which make them uncomfortable. An adult looking to harm children can exploit this to influence a child’s behavior.