The Predator of Predators: Uncovering the Dark Side of Technology and Its Role in Child Abuse

Operation Broken Heart.

While working for a Police Department in Texas as an IT administrator, I met a detective known as the Predator of Predators. He had a big responsibility as his job was to investigate incidents of child abuse and neglect, including physical, mental, and sexual abuse. He would also investigate cases of child abduction and runaway youth. He also worked to identify and apprehend suspects and help reunite children with their families. The detective would help ensure that families receive the necessary counseling and resources to ensure the safety of their children. This detective has an incredible source of knowledge regarding the technology predators use to lure or abuse children.

You may be surprised to learn how predators use technology to exploit children. It's becoming increasingly easier for predators to become more sophisticated. As the amount of technology devices connected to the internet increases, so do the opportunities for predators to exploit children and teens. They use a range of apps, software, and other tools to contact and control their victims.


Social media networks:

Predators can use social media networks by creating fake identities and sending children unsolicited messages and inappropriate images to groom and meet them in real life.
 
Some of these Social Media Apps are:

·      Discord
·      Whisper
·      Kik
·      Tinder
·      Snapchat
·      Chat Roulette
·      Sarahah
·      Poof
·      Yubo
·      Skout
 

Online gaming:

Predators can use online gaming to lure children into conversations about sex, send them inappropriate images, and attempt to meet them in real life.

Here are some of the games but not limited to:

·      Minecraft
·      Roblox
·      Fortnite
·      Animal Jam
·      Avatar Chat
·      Habbo Hotel
·      IMVU
·      Adventure Quest
·      Runescape


Webcams:

Predators can use webcams to engage in sexual activities with children, record them without their knowledge, and share videos or photographs with others. Ensure your cameras are running the most recent software version to protect your children and that the webcam manufacturer hasn't been involved in any data breaches. You can get more information about data breaches at HaveIBeenPwnd.Com


Cell phones:

Predators can use cell phones by sending and receiving inappropriate images or texts and tracking their location. Both Apple and Google have parental controls that you can set on your children's devices. There are also companies like Bark and NetNanny that you can subscribe to for a fee, providing services to monitor and control your child's device activity.

 
Chatrooms:

One of the realities of the internet is that predators use chatrooms to exploit children sexually. Predators often use persuasive tactics, such as pretending to be a child's age to gain their trust and get them to open up about personal details. Predators may also use gifts, compliments, or false promises to get the child to engage in sexual activities or send inappropriate images. Predators often use chatrooms to lure children into private conversations, where they can control the conversation and manipulate the child. Predators also use chatrooms to groom children for future sexual exploitation. They may start by asking seemingly innocent questions but quickly move on to more sexual topics.
 
It is important to be aware that predators are active in chatrooms and to take steps to protect children from them. Parents should monitor their children's internet usage and be mindful of any red flags that could indicate a predator is targeting them. It is also essential to talk to children about the dangers of online predators and to ensure they know how to stay safe online. Parents should take the time to learn the basics of Kid's Text Language to stay up to date with what their children are saying. For example, POTS = Parents over the shoulder, and IRL = In Real Life.

Here are some of the Apps but not limited to:

·      Omegle
·      Chat Avenue
·      Chatib
·      Tiny Chat
·      7 Cups of Tea
·      Kik Messenger
·      Whisper
·      Discord
·      Ask.fm
·      MeetMe

It's no surprise that the internet has revolutionized the way we interact, work, and entertain. As technology advances, its associated risks, particularly for children, become increasingly apparent. That's why investing in monitoring software, installing web filters, and educating your child about the potential dangers of using webcams is important. Make sure they know that you are monitoring them and why and that they can come to you if they ever feel unsafe online. Additionally, don't allow children to access internet-connected devices without a parent or guardian's supervision, and don't allow your child to take phones and tablets to the restroom. By taking these simple steps, we can reduce the risks and help avoid child endangerment online.
 
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and Stop the Exploitation are excellent resources for parents and people looking for ways to protect their children from exploitation and abuse. NCMEC provides various resources to help parents protect their children from exploitation. Stop the Exploitation is a website that provides information and resources to help parents and people recognize, understand, and prevent the exploitation of children. Both organizations offer valuable information and resources that can help parents and people protect their children from exploitation and abuse.
 
If you have reasons to believe that this might be happening to someone out of your control, please visit NCMEC CyberTipline. NCMEC's CyberTipline helps identify and rescue children from dangerous and potentially life-threatening situations and provides support for victims and their families. Reports are reviewed and investigated by the Center's analysts and then forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation and possible prosecution.


I am honored to be acquainted with the Predator of Predators, who has single-handedly assisted in bringing over 500 predators to justice since 2008.

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Reference:
 
https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/cybertipline
 
https://www.missingkids.org/
 
https://endsexualexploitation.org/issues/child-sexual-abuse/
 
https://youthinternetsafety.wordpress.com/2011/05/29/the-types-of-online-predators/
 
https://www.guardchild.com/statistics/

https://www.verywellfamily.com/the-secret-language-of-teens-100-social-media-acronyms-2609651
 
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201304
 
https://safety.google/families/parental-supervision/

Stanger Danger Poster https://tinyurl.com/4w5mxbkz
 
https://www.netnanny.com
 
https://www.bark.us

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/more-2300-suspected-online-child-sex-offenders-arrested-during-operation-broken-heart