Protecting children from online predators INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Angie Morris, nursing manager for the Community Hospital Anderson’s Sexual Assault Trauma Center, joined “Daybreak” Thursday to teach parents how to maintain frequent communication with their children in order to protect the m from online predators. Morris said that the traditional concept of “stranger danger” has evolved because predators now have access to children through virtually any digital platform. Because it is difficult for parents to stay ahead of every new application, she said that it’s important to help children recognize the danger of these interactions. “(Predators) will move them to a platform that’s harder for parents to find out about … Once they have them isolated, they’re pretty much in control of what happens to that child,” said Morris. She said that predators may use direct message servers or hidden messaging apps to maintain this isolation. “That’s the biggest problem with this is that the boundary shifts so gradually that there’s no abrupt onset of fear. And so our kids don’t recognize that they’re in a dangerous situation until they’re already there,” said Morris. Parents are encouraged to monitor for abrupt changes in their child’s behavior, which Morris said it a primary cause for concern. These signs can include a child changing their friend group, withdrawing from activities they previously enjoyed, or showing increased secrecy. While Morris said that moodiness is common among teenagers, she said sudden behavioral shifts should prompt a discussion. “If they seem like they’re being more (secretive), those are definitely times that you’re going to want to sit down with them and say, what’s going on?” said Morris. To combat these risks, Morris said to have frequent “check-ins” rather than a single conversation. She said that parents should explicitly describe what manipulation looks like and to establish rules regarding secrets. “A trusted adult will not have you keeping secrets from your family,” said Morris. ...read more read less