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Teenagers computer Trouble Is Real

4 Signs to watch for that will tell you if your Teenager May Be In Trouble Online

Teenagers and parent control over the internet?  If you are a concerned parent, you should know that your teenager may run into trouble online?  Their chances increase when they are using the internet to socialize with friends or make new friends.  Your child may unintentionally fall victim to a child predator online or they may be harassed by those that they know online. 

But, would you know if your child is in trouble?

There are four signs that your teenager may be in trouble online.  If any of these signs apply to your child, you will want to take action right away.

1 - They Get on the Computer at the Same Time Everyday

What many parents do not realize is that children and teenagers can easily become targets of online child predators.  Many also do not realize that this process doesn’t always happen overnight.  Some child predators pretend to be the ages of their targets.  They then work to gain the trust of those targets.  This can take a few days or a few weeks.  You may be able to tell if this is happening though if your child gets on the internet at the same time, every single day.  This is a good sign that they are communicating directly with someone, who may not have pure intentions.

2 - They Are Secretive When They Use the Computer

How does your child act when they are using the computer?  Does your child try to hide what they are doing online from you?  If they automatically shut off the computer or put a game on the screen, they may be trying to prevent you from seeing what they are doing online.  This is a good sign that your child may be doing something they shouldn’t be doing online, like having direct, personal conversations with a stranger, who may be a child predator.

3 - They Are Very Happy When Getting Off the Computer

If your child is overly happy when they sign off the internet, they may be on the path to trouble.  This sign can be a little bit tricky though.  Your child may be happy because they just finished a long school project, but you honestly never know.  If your teenager is communicating with someone online, they may be in the process of starting a relationship, which they are happy about.  Unfortunately, many teenagers do not realize that anyone can hide behind a computer.  That is why it is important that you talk to your child about the dangers of starting an online romance.
 
4 - They Are Very Depressed

As previously mentioned, your child may be very happy when using the internet, but another warning sign is that they are depressed, especially when they sign off the computer.  What many parents do not realize is that other teenagers use the internet for harassment.  If your teenager has a falling out with one of their friends, they may find themselves being harassed online.  If that is the case, your child may seem very down, depressed, and withdrawn.

I  mentioned these four signs but realize there are so many more variations in your child's behavior that you and only you will want to be in the lookout for look for example drastic change of behavior these are good indicators your child is in trouble online. Without infringing into their privacy or space be honest with your child if you see signs that seem to be troublesome and your gut feeling is telling you something is wrong talk to your child and don't you dare put it off.


By John M. BetanCourt

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