The internet is the new playground or schoolyard where pedophiles go to meet children. Cyber pedophiles almost always have a history of sexual conduct with children and now use chat rooms to contact children directly. Cyber pedophiles usually have interest in child pornography or sexual urges and fantasies with children. The legal system has seen an alarming increase in the number of pedophiles over the past several years. Statistics show that 1 in 5 children who use computer chat rooms have been approached by a pedophile and 1 in 7 kids who use the internet have been solicited for sex online. Law enforcement officials estimate as many as 50,000 sexual predators are online at any given moment. 'We go out and do live demonstrations and it will amaze you. We will pose and log as a 14, 15, 16-year-old boy or girl. Just by being there, it will only take minutes, less than five, and we'll probably be solicited,' said Ada County Sheriff Gary Raney. If you are concerned that you or your child may be communicating with a cyber pedophile, take this quick assessment to learn more about the warning signs and help you determine if your child may be a victim.
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