The protection of the privacy and privacy of minors on the Internet is becoming increasingly complicated, and not only because the problems of misuse of the network are evidenced through the different types of devices children use. Identity theft and cyberbullying are the two situations that - due to misuse of the network - occur, but we must not forget that more and more grooming situations occur (as we saw last week).
We talk about grooming encompassing a series of actions with sexual objective, which are usually performed by an adult. Anyone can be the object of this telematic crime, in fact the only effective protection is prevention, together with a conscious action if it occurs. The fact that there is a varied typology of stalkers should make us take this matter very seriously, because although there are predictable modes of action, there are many others that are difficult to identify, so common sense prevails and heed our intuition.
According to the data collected in the EU Kids online II survey, promoted by the European Commission in its Safer Internet program: one in 10 children between 12 and 16 years of age claims to have received messages of a sexual nature
Stalker profiles and how they act
On the 'Don't give it to you' site you have more information about the direct, opportunistic and specific stalkers (pedophiles with the clear objective of obtaining pornographic images and even maintaining direct contact).
But we will also find a description of the harassment process carried out by those known as 'specific stalkers' (hard to identify group). They don't always do it and they can also become very skilled, but There is a sequence that includes: phase of engagement, loyalty, seduction and harassment.
This is (scary, really) a possible phrase that a child can be found harassed: 'for a long time homosexuality has been banned, but today everyone seems normal ... with ours (pedophilia) the same thing will happen … It's just a matter of time'
In other words, they try to equate an accepted sexual orientation with an aberrant and illegal act in our society. So that the immediate response in case of encountering messages and activities of this type is to report it to the authorities. But in addition, these tips may come in handy:
Recommendations to children network users: 'make sure'
Denies Sexual or pornographic messages. It demands respect.
You should not post photos of yourself or your friends on public sites.
Use private profiles in social networks.
When you upload a photo on your social network make sure that does not have a sexual component. Think about whether you are willing to see that photo for everyone to see and forever.
Do not accept in your social network people who have not seen physically and who do not know well. If you have 200, 300 or 500 friends you are accepting people who are not really friends or family of yours.
Respect your own rights and those of your friends. You have the right to the privacy of your personal data and your image: do not publish or make public those of others.
Keep your equipment safe: Use programs to protect your computer against malicious software.
Use really private and complex passwords. Do not include in your nicknames and identification data such as your age, etc.
If a bullying situation has occurred save all tests you can: conversations, messages, screenshots ...
If a bullying situation has occurred DO NOT give in to blackmail. Make it known to your parents, ask the Internet Security Center for minors for help: Protégeles / [email protected], and / or report it to the Police or the Civil Guard.
'Don't give it to her' is a Helpline for minors, or helpline, created by the Internet Safety Center for minors attached to the Safer Internet Program of the European Commission. The organization responsible for it is Protégeles, and puts at our disposal a team of lawyers and psychologists who can help and advise on the steps to follow, in a professionalized way and of course free.
To make the Internet a safe and healthy option, it is necessary that we all become aware: that we know how to protect ourselves and that we react quickly to problems. We cannot tolerate any type of illegal action of which we are witnesses or victims.
