As the world deals with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, has warned that there are threats you should be aware of so you can take steps to protect yourself and your children.

Children who are home from school and spending more time online may be at increased risk for exploitation. Anyone can be targeted by hackers and scammers.

According to FBI, parents and guardians can take the following measures to help educate and prevent children from becoming victims of child predators and sexual exploitation during this time of global emergency:

Online Child Exploitation:

Discuss Internet safety with children of all ages when they engage in online activity.

Review and approve games and apps before they are downloaded.

Make sure privacy settings are set to the strictest level possible for online gaming systems and electronic devices.

Monitor your children’s use of the Internet; keep electronic devices in an open, common room of the house.

Check your children’s profiles and what they post online.

Explain to your children that images posted online will be permanently on the Internet.

Make sure children know that anyone who asks a child to engage in sexually explicit activity online should be reported to a parent, guardian, or other trusted adult and law enforcement.

Remember that victims should not be afraid to tell law enforcement if they are being sexually exploited. It is not a crime for a child to send sexually explicit images to someone if they are compelled or coerced to do so.

Child Abuse Awareness:

Teach your children about body safety and boundaries.

Encourage your children to have open communication with you.

Be mindful of who is watching your child for childcare/babysitting, playdates and overnight visits.

If your child discloses abuse, immediately contact local law enforcement for assistance.

Children experiencing hands-on abuse may exhibit withdrawn behaviour, angry outbursts, anxiety, depression, not wanting to be left alone with a specific individual, non-age appropriate sexual knowledge, and an increase in nightmares.