Using the Internet Safely For Seniors

Teach your kids to question why someone they meet

online is actively seeking their trust, sending gifts, or

trying to alienate them from their family or friends.

➟ Teach kids to trust their instincts when something

feels weird and report it to you.

Take time to read “Internet Safety Education for Teens:

Getting It Right,” at http://depts.washington.

edu/hcsats/PDF/factsheets/Internet_

Saftey_for_Teens_2-6-08.pdf, created by the

Crimes against Children Research Center. Also, visit

our Web site, http://www.ilookbothways.com, and search

for the latest information on sexual predators.

If You Think Your Grandchild Is Being Groomed

If you suspect your grandchild is being groomed by a sexual predator,

follow these steps:

➟ Stay calm.Fear and anger are natural reactions; how-

ever they can frighten the child. Never blame, punish,

or embarrass a victim.

➟ Believe your child.Children don’t typically lie about

sexual abuse. Believe what you’re being told and lis-

ten carefully.

➟ Reassure the victim that this isn’t his fault.Thank

the child for telling you. Give positive messages such

as, “This isn’t your fault,” or “You were very smart to

tell me about this.”

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Chapter 11: Grandparents Rule!