Protecting children from online sexual predators: Technological, psychoeducational, and legal considerations

Professional psychologists should more fully understand the dangers of online sexual solicitation and ways in which to protect youth from sexual predators who use the Internet. Although the Internet has many positive aspects, one of the most pernicious aspects is its potential use for online sexual predation. The Internet represents a medium that allows sexual predators access to countless children in a relatively anonymous environment. This article reviews the general strategies of sexual perpetrators and their characteristics, as well as the online strategies and characteristics of the cyber sexual predator. Information on how to protect children from this crime through a review of technological, psychoeducational, and legal considerations is provided. A description of the relevant laws as they relate to online solicitation and practicing psychologists is also provided.