Online Solicitation of a Minor: What Parents and Educators Need to Know

Online solicitation of a minor is a serious crime that involves using the internet or other electronic means to persuade a child to engage in sexual activity. This can include sending sexually explicit messages or images to a minor, asking them to meet in person for sexual purposes, or pressuring them to perform sexual acts online.

Online solicitation of a minor is a growing problem, as more and more children are using the internet and social media. It is important for parents and educators to be aware of the dangers of online solicitation and to take steps to protect children from this crime.

What is considered online solicitation of a minor?

Online solicitation of a minor can include a variety of behaviors, such as:

• Sending sexually explicit messages or images to a minor
• Asking a minor to meet in person for sexual purposes
• Pressuring a minor to perform sexual acts online
• Posing as a minor to gain access to other minors for sexual purposes
• Sharing or distributing child pornography

How can I protect my child from online solicitation?

There are a number of things you can do to protect your child from online solicitation, such as:

• Talk to your child about the dangers of online solicitation and how to stay safe online.
• Monitor your child's online activity and talk to them about who they are communicating with.
• Use parental controls to restrict your child's access to certain websites and apps.
• Teach your child how to report online solicitation to you or a trusted adult.

What should I do if I think my child has been solicited online?

If you think your child has been solicited online, the most important thing is to stay calm and supportive. Talk to your child about what happened and let them know that you are there for them. You should also report the incident to the police and to the website or app where the solicitation occurred.

Conclusion

Online solicitation of a minor is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences for children. It is important for parents and educators to be aware of the dangers of online solicitation and to take steps to protect children from this crime. If you think your child has been solicited online, the most important thing is to stay calm and supportive and to report the incident to the police.