Baggage Check: Caught in the Web

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Dr. Andrea Bonior dives into the world of psychology.

IT'S A SITUATION that strikes fear in the hearts of many parents: children and adolescents getting themselves into danger on the Internet. Sure, able and independent adults have a hard enough time discovering that the "Emily" they've been corresponding with is actually a rather hirsute Fred. But for kids and teens, the deception — and victimization, which can easily spill into interactions offline — has the potential to ruin lives.

The most recent issue of Pediatrics parses out risk factors that make one someone more likely to be a target: previous abuse and having a provocative online presence (including photos and avatars) made girls and young women particularly vulnerable. And it didn't seem to matter much how "naive" they were about sex or the Internet.

The one protective factor? The presence and involvement of parents and caregivers. It's a delicate balancing act: respecting your child';s privacy and need for autonomy while also making sure they don't do themselves irrevocable harm. And it's only getting more complicated as predators now can enter your child's bedroom instantaneously and silently, via the Internet.