Introduction

When children go online, they have direct and immediate access to friends, family, and complete strangers, which can put unsuspecting children at great risk. Children who meet and communicate with strangers online are easy prey for Internet predators. Predators have easy and anonymous access online where they can conceal their identity and roam without limit. Most of us have an image of sexual predators lurking around school playgrounds or hiding behind bushes scoping out their potential victims, but the reality is that today’s sexual predators search for victims while hiding behind a computer screen, taking advantage of the anonymity the Internet offers. They can be anywhere from social media to playing online video games. 

Research indicates that about 1 in 4 girls, and 1 in 13 boys experience child sexual abuse at some point in childhood.  91% of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone the child or child’s family knows.  (Center for Disease Control, accessed 2-18-21)

In 1998 when the internet was still somewhat new, there were over 3000 reports of child sexual abuse imagery. By 2018, tech companies reported over 45 million online photos and videos of children being sexually abused — more than double what they found in 2017. In 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received 36.2 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation online. Reports of online enticement increased by over 300% between 2021 and 2023. According to Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention 460,000 children go missing every year. 

Keeping teens and children safe online involves a mix of proactive strategies and open communication:

1. Set Clear Rules: Establish guidelines for internet use, including what sites they can visit and how much time they can spend online.
   
2. Monitor Activity: Use parental controls and regularly review their online interactions to ensure they’re engaging with appropriate content.
   
3. Educate About Privacy: Teach them to keep personal information private and be cautious about sharing details that could be used maliciously.
   
4. Discuss Online Risks: Talk openly about online threats such as cyberbullying, scams, and inappropriate content. Encourage them to come to you with any concerns.
   
5. Promote Safe Behavior: Advise them to use strong, unique passwords and to be wary of strangers online. Remind them that anything shared online can be permanent.
   
6. Foster Open Communication: Create a supportive environment where they feel comfortable discussing their online experiences and issues.
   

Balancing oversight with trust helps teens navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. 

​1. Shop on Trusted Websites

• Stick to well-known retailers with established reputations.
• Verify the URL before making purchases; avoid websites with slight misspellings or extra characters in the domain name (e.g., "Amazonn.com").
• Look for "https://" in the URL and a padlock icon, indicating secure encryption.

2. Be Wary of Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals

• If a deal looks unrealistically low, it probably is. Scammers use heavily discounted prices to lure victims into entering payment details.
• Cross-check prices on multiple sites to gauge realistic ranges.

3. Avoid Public Wi-Fi

• Public networks can be exploited by hackers to intercept your data.
• If you must shop on the go, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for added security.

4. Use Secure Payment Methods

• Prefer credit cards or secure payment platforms like PayPal, which offer fraud protection.
• Avoid direct bank transfers or payments through unfamiliar apps.

5. Monitor Your Bank Statements

• Check your accounts regularly for unauthorized charges.
• Many banks allow real-time transaction alerts to catch suspicious activity early.

6. Research Unknown Sellers

• If shopping from a lesser-known site, search for reviews and customer feedback.
• Use tools like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or Trustpilot to verify legitimacy.

7. Watch Out for Phishing Scams

• Avoid clicking on unsolicited emails, texts, or ads promising holiday discounts especially in places that push online sales on social media.
• Verify deals directly on the retailer's official website.

8. Check Return Policies

• Scammers often avoid providing clear return or refund policies.
• Confirm that the retailer offers reasonable return options before buying.

9. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• Secure your shopping accounts by activating MFA, which requires a second verification step like a code sent to your phone.

10. Stay Vigilant on Social Media

• Be cautious with links or ads on platforms like Facebook or Instagram. Fraudulent sellers often promote fake stores here and use alternative payment methods.
• Check the seller's profile for inconsistencies or a lack of interaction.

By staying alert and following these tips, you can enjoy a scam-free holiday shopping experience!