The FBI's Internet Crimes Against Children task force can go into chatrooms where illegal activity is suspected, make contact with offenders and arrange to meet them. Since 1995 more than 2000 men have been convicted in the States for Internet sex offences after being caught in this way. They even tracked down a British man who was trying to find children for sex. They passed on the details to Scotland Yard's paedophile squad and he was arrested after meeting undercover officers. He was sentenced to 18 months, but the trial judge demanded a change in the law.
Parents often feel powerless to protect their children from online dangers.
Youngsters often know more about the technology than their mums and dads. Discussing the potential dangers with children needs care and sensitivity and involves helping them to see the dangers for themselves. Make sure they don't use your credit card number without permission. Just as you look out for good TV programmes for children, take the time to find the best and most useful websites and chat rooms for you and your family. Software can also help you monitor the time your child spends on the computer and material they have been viewing as well as block outgoing and incoming information.