This pamphlet is meant to assist in educating parents on how to properly monitor their children’s cell phone, the applications they are using, and their internet access to prevent the child from being sexually exploited or cyber bullied.
Helpful tips to minimize your child from becoming an internet victim:
▪ Talk to your child about on-line danger. Explain what sexual victimization is.
▪ Spend time on-line with your child. Have them teach you about their favorite on-line destinations.
▪ Learn about the applications or websites your child is using. Remember new ones are made daily; continue your education.
▪ Keep the computer in a common area; not in the privacy of their own room.
▪ Utilize parental controls provided by your service provider and/or blocking software.
▪ Always maintain access to your child’s on-line accounts and check them regularly.
▪ Know their passwords and/or passcodes.
▪ Find out what computer safeguards are utilized by your child’s school, the public library, and at the homes of their friends.
▪ Understand that although your child was a willing participant in any form of exploitation, that he/she is not at fault; they are a victim.
Know and monitor your child’s phone and the applications your child is using:
Here are some educational websites that assist you in learning about the “good” and “bad” applications:
Here are some applications parents may download to assist in the monitoring of their child’s cell phone:
▪ Spyzie
▪ Bark
▪ MMGuardian Parent
▪ Qustodio (free or costs $$)
Instruct and remind your child:
▪ To never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they met on-line.
▪ To never upload or post pictures of themselves onto the Internet or on-line service to people they do not personally know.
▪ To never give out identifying information such as their name, home address, school name, or telephone number.
▪ To never download pictures from an unknown source, as there is a good chance there could be sexually explicit images.
▪ To never respond to messages or bulletin board postings that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, or harassing.
▪ That whatever they are told may or may not be true.
▪ To speak out. Remind him/her they are not in trouble and not to be afraid to speak to you or law enforcement.
Dear parents,
As I’m sure you are aware, our children are the first generation to be born and raised with the internet as part of their everyday way of life. They are more sophisticated with the technology than you or I will ever be; however, they are more prone to cyber crimes because it is how they socialize. They can become victim to things such as sextortion, sexual exploitation, and cyberbullying. Please read this pamphlet and become familiar with the resources available.
For further information, please contact the Fort Myers Police Department at 239-321-7700 or email Detective Rochelle Curr at rcurr@fmpolice.com.
For additional educational resources, you may also visit website for The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at www.missingkids.com.
If you establish your child has already been victimized, please contact the Fort Myers Police Department immediately and report the incident.