Training for the Prevention of Cyber Sexual Offending

• In Event: Technological Dimensions of Victimization and Prevention

Abstract

This study aims to assess a prevention program to enhance youngsters' awareness of cyberspace sexual predation. Twenty youths in a pilot program. were assessed for misconceptions and common stereotypes about “psychopath” online CSA and thereafter exposed to cognitive, affective, and physiological arousal techniques “of friends” and other normative individuals they trust.
Through role-playing parents and young people interacted in labs posing as online predators using various tactics. They were guided to find precursors signaling interface with online sexual predators and tactics used online to gain trust. They were exposed to the eventuality of “thrilling” educators, sports coaches, and friends creating a sexual spin with the youngster during sports and other exciting activities, indicators that a sex spin process was initiated, and verbal/nonverbal behaviors youth could use to stop it. Assessment of the training will include 50 students who analyze five online sexual predators assuming false identities such as family member/friend, obvious predator, Stealth/experienced predator, one teenager online with another, and a teenager approached by his/her “cool” teacher, sports coach, tutor, sister’s boyfriend online. Participants were instructed to identify tactics used by online sex predators in each case. Pre/post assessment shows increased awareness and ability to identify precursors of online sexual predation.

Authors

• Michael Fischer, Norfolk State University

• Brenda Geiger, Western Galilee College