shufflepeople.com

The rise of anonymous webcam chat sites such as Chatroulette, Shufflepeople, Stickam’s Shuffle, and many more, raise big questions about child safety online.

However, this isn’t as new of an issue as we might initially think it is. Rather, it’s an old problem with a new twist:  anonymity.

Kids have historically been curious about their sexuality, as most parental figures will attest to. Before the launch of the Internet, which made access to smut and porn easy and free, young boys would gather around and even pay money in order to get a sneak peek at a female classmate’s snatch. And the girls, just as curious, let them do it. This scenario, and many others, are real and shouldn’t be brushed off as dirty or crude. It’s an expression of natural curiosity.

Curiosity is part of not just being a child, but being human. This article on BlogHer explains a child’s natural inclination to learn about sexuality by exploring their own bodies, and sometimes each others’.

However, as the article mentions, it is important to teach children safety and modesty when allowing them to explore this natural curiosity about nakedness. It is important to be careful not to cross the line from modesty to shame, as this can create a whole slew of other emotional problems as your child transitions into young adulthood.

Parents should look to facilitate a child’s curiosity about sexuality in healthy ways. Know where your children are, what they are doing and how they are trying to explore their curiosity so you can help facilitate their growth in a healthy, non-oppressive yet responsible way.

Know where your children are.

Know who your children’s friends are and get in touch with their parents. Get the phone numbers of your child’s friend’s parents and make sure they know that you’re available to chat if they want to discuss the rules they set for their kids, and don’t be afraid to do the same. At the very least you’ll learn how other families are coping as their children transition into adulthood.

Know what your child is getting into online.

Learn about your computer so you can view browsing and download history. This isn’t so you can snoop on your child. Use the information you find as information that will allow you to understand your child’s interest and funnel this intrigue in healthy ways. Know that most children, especially young boys, are bound to stumble across sex sites. Rather than shame your child (which is likely to induce self-imposed shame and secrecy around the subject), arm your child with the right information about how to process these new-found sexual desires. Read up on parental blogs and psychological journals to have a better understanding about your child’s coming-of-age process and how you can accept these changes without being embarrassed yourself.