Police warn of dangers social media among children

According to the SAPS, most human trafficking starts on social media, and most children spend much of their time on these platforms.

Every parent should know some vital internet and social media safety tips to protect their children from potential harm.

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Parents can ensure their children are safe online by:

• learning about the internet and social media platforms;

• learning to use social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram.

These are platforms children use to chat with strangers. Stay informed of the latest internet websites.

Get involved

• Spend time online with your child.

• Your involvement in their online life makes them understand what they can or cannot look at.

Move your child’s computer into a family or a frequently used room

• Set a time for your child to use the computer;

• Limit your child’s computer use to specific times, such as when you are home or in the room.

Tell your kids about the internet’s dangers

• Tell them there are many predators online, especially on social networking sites.

• Let them know no one must harass them online. Whether it is someone they know or not, they must contact you or the SAPS.

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Parents should look for these acronyms when the kids chat on social media because they often use them to avoid detection:

• GNOC – Get naked on cam;

• TDTM – Talk dirty to me;

• NIFOC – Naked in front of computer;

• PAW – Parents are watching;

• PIR – Parent in room;

• POS – Parent over shoulder;

• CD9/Code 9 – Parent/adult around;

• ASL(R P) – Age, sex, location, (race/picture);

• (L)MIRL – (Let us) meet in real life;

• MOS – Mom over shoulder;

• P911 – Parent emergency;

• PRON – Porn;

• S2R – Send to receive (pictures);

• FYEO – For your eyes only.