There are so many people that get harrassed in the work place, at home, school, etc..and it doesn't stop there! I cant tell you the number of times I have experienced anything from mild flirtation to outright sexual harrassment here on the web. Guess what? We dont have to allow it! Heres a few pointers...

• Put a stop to meaningless flirtation once it starts. Its so easy to get caught up in it, but you're asking for trouble! You may not mean to, but its easy to make yourself seem too nice and tolerant.
• Keep in mind that you have never seen most of the onliners, and most of the time they arent what they seem to be! If they can start up a flirtative conversation first off, then chances are they have done this before, & gotten away with it., and likely to underage kids. Use this knowledge to be blunt enough to make them think twice about cybering.
• No matter how long you have 'chatted' with a person online, doesnt mean you know them. Predators take their time. Its how they become so successful at what they do.
• Keep even the most basic information about yourself..PRIVATE! The tiniest bits of info about where you live, what your address is, telephone numbers, etc can be traced and invaded if gets into the wrong hands.
• Be informed! Keep your kids safe by limiting online use and stay up to date with their friends, what their activities are, etc. Don't allow them into chat rooms. Its the most dangerous place they can be. They may find this intrusion annoying, but better they are safe!
• If someone takes something way to far, let the authorities know. Like I said, its always better to be safe than sorry!

There are so many things we can do, steps we can take to prevent harrasment, and those I listed are just a few ideas. Keep in mind these people hunt online because they are cowards and can easily find targets with so many people using the internet now days. You have the chance to make them think twice about online harrasment and abuse. Use it!