somerset county prosecutor's office 40 north bridge street somerville, nj 08876 (908) 231-7100...
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Somerset County Prosecutor's Office
40 North Bridge StreetSomerville, NJ 08876
(908) 231-7100 / www.scpo.net
Emerging Threats of Social Media
Sexting Bullying / Suicide Sextortion Child pornography Pedophiles communicating with
children Pedophiles meeting with children “Oversharing” of personal
information Access to age-inappropriate
information
Current trends and problems:
Anonymity People looking to harm others can be
“undercover” Victims share too much personal information Victims share personal information too quickly Users emboldened by anonymity Targeting and “grooming” of victims much
easier Pervasive / Inescapable Permanence Isolation
Universal Themes
Warning Signs
“Grooming” Predators will try to isolate a child from
family or friends, make them keep secrets.
“Let’s go private”; “Are your parents home?”
Send inappropriate materials or talk about explicit subjects.
“If you don’t do what I ask, I’ll tell your parents / share your photos / etc.”
Popular Apps
askfmvideo.mp4
Console Games Xbox
Computer Sites/Apps American Girl Minecraft
Any site that allows users to interact via the Internet has the potential for predators to engage your children.
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The Internet & Younger Children
Tell children to talk to a trusted adult if anything makes them feel scared, uncomfortable or confused.
Do not respond to messages that are rude or offensive.
Save messages that could be used by law enforcement as evidence.
Don’t post personal information
Safety Tips
Establish rules for when they are allowed to use their cell phone, what websites they can visit and what apps they can download.
Review cell phone records for any unknown numbers and late night phone call and texts.
Remind your children that anything they send from their phones can be easily forwarded and shared.
Teach your child never to reveal cell phone numbers or passwords online.
Talk to your child about the possible consequences of sending sexually explicit or provocative images or text messages.
When shopping for a cell phone for your child, research security settings that are available.
Tips for Safe Cellphone Use
Check Your Child’s Sites Regularly
If they have a profile or blog where other people make comments, check them often.
Tell them not to respond to offensive or embarrassing comments. Delete them and block that person from making additional comments.
i.e. ask.fm
https://www.wiredsafety.org/
http://www.missingkids.com/home
The National Center for Missing & Exploited
Children
http://www.netsmartz.org/Parents
https://sos.fbi.gov/
Educational Resources
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Questions?
Assistant Prosecutor W. Brian Stack(908) 575-3320
Sergeant Doug Brownlie(908) 575-3326
Detective Jeanne Trillhaase(908) 575-3354