Beware of electronics for children.

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Just thought I would share. Blessings, Joy

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WAVE 3 Investigates: A new Internet danger that may be on your child's Christmas list

Posted:

WAVE 3 uncovers little known Internet danger to kids

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By Janelle MacWAVE 3 Investigator

LOUISVILLE (WAVE) -- Some of the most wanted toys on your child's wish list could open them up to an unknown danger. WAVE 3 Investigator Janelle Mac looks into of how sexual predators are leaving traditional chat rooms in favor of easier ways to meet kids.

They promise to put the world at your child's fingertips but they also allow the world of predators into your home.

LMPD Crimes Against Children Detective Dan Jackman says "a lot of kids nowadays are asking for electronic devices, handheld games, the Wii, the Xbox and all that and those all have chat functions within them."

Jackman says that means kids can use their game system to link up and play with friends -- or strangers -- all over the world.

"You don't know who you're talking to," Jackman said.

So as more and more parents install software on their computers to protect their kids, the predators are turning to those games to find targets.

But Jackman says, "with those games, there is no filtering software available."

And it's not just game systems, but also those played on your home computer like "World of War Craft" -- with 9 million players a day communicating through chat rooms or computer microphones.

It can bypass already installed filtering software.

Jackman says "the child can easily backdoor whatever software you've got and use a normal game to go online and say chat."

So what do you do? Jackman says "Santa Claus needs to realize exactly what these devices can or can't do. If you don't think your child is old enough or mature enough handle these Internet capabilities, you might want to hold off on getting that."

Jackman says while technology may be changing, his advice is the same: parents know what your kids are doing because "there are no such things as police of the Internet; that doesn't exist. The police of the Internet are the parents."

Jackman is not saying not to get these games. In fact, his own son has a game system, but he knows exactly when he's using it. He suggests limiting your kids' time playing and also going online and compare your computer filtering software to those that get the best ratings from consumer groups to make sure your child is protected using those online games.

Online Reporter: Janelle Mac

Online Producer: Gazaway

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