The Dark Web
WHAT IS THE DARK WEB?
The dark web exists and is part of the internet. It is a collection of internet sites that cannot be accessed or seen by normal search engines like google and internet explorer.
The dark web is full of criminal activity and should be avoided at all costs despite the fact some say that there are parts of it that do not have criminal activity.
Other names for dark web are darknet.
WHY WOULD SOMEONE GO ON THE DARK WEB?
There are many reasons why someone would access the dark web. They are:
- They can use it anonymously
- They searches are untraceable
- They can access illegal activities
WHAT ILLEGAL THINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE DARK WEB?
- You can purchase passwords
- Your can purchase usernames
- Counterfeit money
- Login details to bank accounts
- Hire individuals to hack computers
- You can purchase guns and firearms.
- You can hire people to do illegal things for you.
- Illegal pornography
- Indecent images of children
HOW CAN YOUR CHILD ACCESS THE DARK WEB?
They can access it by downloading a specific browser.
We at I AM L.I.P have decided not to mention the browser here.
WHAT % OF THE INTERNET IS THE DARK WEB?
It is estimated that the dark web comprises 5% of the internet.
IS IT LEGAL TO ACCESS THE DARK WEB?
Yes it is.
WHY SHOULD YOUR CHILD AVOID THE DARK WEB?
The main reason is because they will be exposed to criminal activities and unnecessary risks.
AS A PARENT HOW DO YOU HANDLE YOUR CHILD WHEN THEY INFORM YOU THEY HAVE ACCESSED THE DARK WEB?
It can be very shocking to learn that your child has accessed the dark web and maybe got themselves into trouble. Upon hearing the news you may be left upset, hurt, scared and distressed. Your world has suddenly turned upside down. You will have thousands of thoughts and questions racing around in your head. Be easy on yourself, don’t blame yourself and start thinking you could have been a better parent and start preparing yourself mentally to handle the situation with kindness, care and dignity. Follow the steps below.
Go hug your child and show them some love – Please remember prior to informing you that they have accessed the dark web and got themselves into trouble, your child will have spent days terrified with the thought that they would have to face you. They will be traumatised themselves. Therefore, before dealing with your own reaction please give them a hug and reassure them that together you will get through this and that you are with them.
Your reaction can either calm your child down and keep the situation in hand. Your support will carry them through all the emotions, any health concerns and other issues they will face.
Let your child speak – Listen quietly and carefully to your child.
- Hold their hand if they are acceptable to it.
- Tell them they have done the right thing by informing you.
- Do not interrupt them as they speak.
- At this stage do not ask many questions. Let them get it all out.
- Try not to react. Stay calm.
- If your child sees you distressed they will close up
Inform your child they are not at fault – Your child needs to hear you believe that they are not at fault for what has happened. This will go a long way in them feeling that they must not punish themselves for what has happened.
Inform your child you believe them and are taking what they have said seriously – It is important that your child hears the words that you believe what they are saying. This will give them confidence to open up more. The word that you are going to take what they say seriously conveys that you are going to protect them and do something to stop what is happening to them.
Inform your child what you are going to do to keep them safe – Tell your child they are now safe and nobody is going to hurt them. You will take care of them and report what has happened to the police if the situation requires you to do so.
HOW CAN A PARENT PREVENT THEIR CHILD ACCESSING THE DARK WEB?
Communicate with them from a young age regularly – Have an open and honest discussion with your child from a young age about the dark web. Explain the harm it can do to their life.
Discourage your child from going on the dark web then support them – Be vigilant about how you can support them.
- If they are scared about an incident, inform the school, the police or your local authority child services.
- Spend loving and caring time with them.
- Go over scenarios where your child knows what to do if they get themselves into trouble or they come across images and things on the internet that are not appropriate.
- Encourage them to say no and keep away from illegal activities on the internet.
Try to be observant and know what your child is up to – There are many things we as parents can do to ensure our child is protected.
- May sure they are not hiding dangerous things in their possessions.
- Be aware of what your child views on social media.
- Be aware of what your child is ordering online.
- Be aware of what your child is sharing with their friends.
Try and build a positive trusting relationship with your child – Your child should be able to come to you and talk to you, share their fears or when they feel scared or threatened. They will do this if you are approachable, you do not react and do not take what they say personally. When your child comes and talks to you it is about them, how they feel and what is happening to them. It is not about your parenting. It isn’t an opportunity to blame yourself. Your child will approach you if you:
- Listen intently without interruption.
- Do not judge them
- Do not take what they say personally
- Understand their reasons
- Do not react in a negative manner
- Try and find a positive outcome for your child.
- Support them through the whole episode.
WHO CAN YOU REPORT TO IF YOUR CHILD HAS ACCESSED THE DARK WEB AND ACCESSED CRIMINAL ACTIVITY?
You can call the police – You can dial 999 if you or your child is at risk or a crime has been committed. Alternatively if there is no emergency you can dial 101 or file a report online.
LINK TO POLICE WEBSITE TO REPORT A CRIME ONLINE
You can contact Crimestoppers – You can report a crime anonymously to crimestoppers. Their telephone number is 0800 555 111.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR CRIMESTOPPERS.
WHERE CAN YOU AS A PARENT TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
You can contact NSPCC – If your child has been on the dark web and accessed criminal activity you can contact the NSPCC and speak to them about your concerns. If the child is in danger they will call the police.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR NSPCC – CONTACT US
You can contact FAMILY LIVES – Family lives was previously known as parentline. You can speak to them about your concerns that your child has been on the dark web and accessed criminal activity.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR FAMILY LIVES – CONTACT US
You can contact SUPPORTLINE – Supportline can provide confidential emotional support over the phone about the dark web. Their helpline number is 01708 765 200. You can also email them.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR SUPPORTLINE – CONTACT US
You can contact your local authority child services – You can call them directly or look on their website to see if there are any local support groups where you can get support.
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY
You can contact VICTIM SUPPORT – Victim support is a charity that can help individuals who have been the victim of a crime. They have a free confidential support telephone line and live chat. They are independent of the police.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR VICTIM SUPPORT – CONTACT US
You can contact other organisations –
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE TO CONNECT WITH CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS THAT COULD HELP YOU.
You can read our help guide for where you can reach out to get help if your child is a victim –
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE FOR WHERE CAN YOU REACH OUT TO GET HELP IF YOUR CHILD IS A VICTIM
WHERE CAN YOUR CHILD TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
Your child can contact CHILDLINE – If your child has accessed the dark web and suffered as a result and they need to talk to someone, they can call childline.