Robert Lotter – CBS News – Dallas, TX – 4/24/08

Video Summary

In this CBS 11 News segment, law enforcement officials in North Texas warn parents about a new tactic used by pedophiles to reach children through text messaging. Predators are initially meeting children in online chat rooms and then quickly moving the conversation to text messages, where it's harder for authorities to track them. This allows them to communicate with children without parental oversight.

To help protect your child, there is a program called Radar that allows parents to receive copies of all text messages their child receives. You can find more information and sign up for Radar by visiting CBS11's website at cbs11tv.com.

For parents and family safety advocates, staying informed and taking proactive measures can protect children from these evolving threats. Monitoring your child's phone activity and educating them about online safety are important steps in keeping them safe. Additionally, parents can install parental control apps that allow them to restrict certain website access and monitor text messages.

It's also important for parents to have open communication with their children about the dangers of online predators and the importance of not sharing personal information with strangers. Teaching kids to be cautious while using technology is crucial in today's digital age.

By staying vigilant and proactive, we can work together to keep our children safe from these dangerous predators. It's essential to stay educated on new methods used by pedophiles and take advantage of resources like Radar to stay informed on your child's online activities.