Prevent Delinquency

Child Threat	SM

Intelligence for Parents

Tips of threats that children face, submitted by parents, teachers, and law enforcement professionals across the country. If you would like to share a potential threat with others, please do so via our Get Involved/Contact Us form. Provide your name, town and agency, and if we publish your tip, we will identify you as the source, unless you wish to remain anonymous. This a great way to get involved. It only takes a few seconds of your time, but can impact the lives of children everywhere. The information listed represents a small percentage of that shared with parents during Prevent Delinquency Project presentations. This is intentional, so that we do not become a learning tool for troubled youth.

Pins and Gear (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): With numerous accounts of professional athletes using steroids in the news, it shouldn't be a surprise to parents that the use of performance enhancing drugs is increasing in alarming numbers among high school and college students. One website that we are aware of has over 60,000 members online who communicate in its forum, selling lists of offshore suppliers who will ship to any destination in the world (be on the lookout for UPS packages delivered to your home, prepaid credit cards, etc.), discuss "cycles" (the use or "stacking" of multiple oral and injectible steroids over a period of weeks or months), provide profiles of every major steroid available today, and post pictures where members advise each other whether a steroid they purchased is real or not. By perusing this board, learning the lingo is fairly easy. "Pins" refers to the hypodermic needles used to inject drugs. "Gear" is commonly used to describe both steroids and the paraphernalia associated with them. "Test," "Winny," "Deca," "Tren," "Sus," "Fina," "Dbol," "Prop," and "Mast," are all street names used to describe popular pharmaceutical steroids.

Getting Baked (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): As if all the street drugs available today weren't enough, add vanilla extract (yes, the type used for baking) to the long list of common household items such as DM cough syrup, gasoline, magic markers, glue, correction fluid, ground-up caffeine pills, etc., abused by teens. It's high alcohol content has become a favorite among kids, especially when used in combination with other drugs. If you find any of these items are missing, or come across them in your child's room or in the garbage, don't overlook them.

Video Head & Leather Cleaners (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): Dangerous inhalants originally marketed as room deodorizers and liquid incense 25 years ago under the names Bolt, Locker Room, Rush, etc., are now being sold to teens as "video head cleaner," "leather cleaner" and "aromatherapy." They contain isobutyl or butyl nitrite and serve one purpose - to fry kids brains. Those who purchase them know exactly what they are used for, despite the new advertising scheme. Most of these products are sold in small brown bottles with descriptive labels and are easy to recognize.

Sanctions & Incentives (Brenda Giancaspro, MSEd., Port Chester, NY): When disciplining children, don't model aggressive or violent actions. PDP note: In terms of incentives (or rewards, if you will, when your child has done what is expected of them) here are a few ideas - special dinners of their choosing, a movie (appropriately rated), gift certificates at the mall, a day with you at a salon, computer games, music CD's (nothing negative), candy, tickets to sporting events and concerts (that you approve), etc. Make sure activities are supervised by you or other responsible adults and that you know who is going. We don't support allowances unless dollars are specifically allocated with parental approval. The goal can't just be money in your child's pocket. Studies have shown unallocated dollars significantly increase the risk of alcohol and drug abuse. Also, when it comes to incentives, remember, love, praise, and applause go a long way... Sanctions (discipline) should be reasonable (don't punish a child for poor school performance if they are living up to their full potential), predictable, so that the child understands your expectations and what constitutes bad behavior, fair and consistently applied. A lesson is not learned if you "make an exception this time." If possible, try to tailor sanctions to meet a specific goal and build upon the child's strengths. For instance, if your child cuts class, don't keep them home from school, but rather have them do additional reading after school and provide you with a written or oral report of what was read. Or, if you are not doing it already, make them complete their homework with you in the evenings. Additional examples of sanctions include restricting telephone, computer and television privileges (which should already be supervised), increasing chores at home (again, be reasonable), taking away their games for a set period of time, grounding them (but don't interfere with positive activities like sports, student government organizations, etc.), a fine (taking away an allocated allowance), changing their curfew (although they should never just be "hanging out" to begin with), etc. Don't shame, demean, or belittle your children.

Today's Victim - Tomorrow's Predator (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): Many youth in the juvenile justice system have been sexually abused. This is particularly true in matters involving juvenile sex offenses. Often, they go untreated, either because their parents don't know what has occurred, or upon finding out about the same, mistakenly believe that young children will forget what has happened to them as they grow-up. And the cycle continues... Today's sex offense victim becomes tomorrow's predator. Needless to say, it is imperative that any child found to have been sexually abused receive professional help immediately. Some of the signs of sexual abuse reported to us by the parents of victims include: frequent nightmares, fear of certain individuals and/or places, anxiety attacks, incessant showering or scratching of the skin while engaged in personal hygiene, posting of fecal material, bedwetting, persistent or unexplained health problems, genital infections or injuries, self-mutilation, aggressive and violent outbursts, social withdrawal, inappropriate touching or friendliness with other children and/or adults, and sexual talk or acts inconsistent with a child's age group. In older children, alcohol and substance abuse, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation are also common. We understand this is an uncomfortable subject for many parents. But in terms of helping children in need and preventing delinquency, few issues warrant greater attention.

The Perfectly Legal Pocketknife (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): Although the proliferation and easy availability of firearms on our streets has made their use by juveniles a regular occurrence, by far the most widely used weapon by teens in menacing, assaulting, and robbing others is still the knife. And most of these cases involve the perfectly legal pocketknife (until used for such a purpose). Aside from camping, fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities, why any parent would think their child needs to carry a pocketknife with a three or four inch blade is beyond us. Let's be honest folks, the days when junior would sit on the porch with his grandfather whittling the day away on a stick and "chewing the fat" are long gone. Today, kids are much more likely to roam the streets with their friends, looking for trouble, and the opportunity to prove their worth. Many jurisdictions, recognizing the threat posed by box cutters in the hands of youth have enacted legislation prohibiting their possession by juveniles. Yet the threat of much larger and more dangerous pocketknives still remains. We are not arguing that such tools have no legitimate purpose, but rather that they shouldn't be a child's "everyday carry." Moreover, any utilitarian function that a child may have could just as easily be accomplished by a smaller and less dangerous tool such as a Swiss Army knife. Remember, if your child has a knife on his or her person, there is a good chance, sooner or later, whether menacing another child to show-off, or escalating a fist-fight into a felony assault or homicide, he or she is going to use it. In addition, there is always the possibility it could be taken away from your child and used against him or her. Why risk that happening? Finally, keep in mind that not all knives kids are carrying these days are legal. Switchblades, gravity knives, and the like, once hard to come by due to federal and state laws that outlaw their manufacture, possession, and sale, except to military and law enforcement personnel, are now openly sold by thousands of entities online with no questions asked. All it takes is a money order or pre-paid card your child can purchase at a local grocery store. Thanks to community forums and social networking sites found on the Internet, kids now openly exchange information on sources of such illegal weapons, including automatic knives, brass knuckles, blackjacks, saps, billy clubs, etc.

If it Walks Like a Duck (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): Despite obvious identifiers of gang affiliation on their children, a lot of parents and guardians still don't recognize them for what they are. For instance, at a street fair in Peekskill during which the Prevent Delinquency Project exhibited gang items, weapons, and drug paraphernalia common with youth, one grandmother in her 70's was surprised to learn that the red and black beads on display were a sign of membership in the Bloods. She honestly thought that local kids received them at school as awards for good grades or exemplary behavior. Her 10-year-old grandson however, quickly recognized the beads for what they were. Similarly, while meeting with an immigrant group in Mt. Kisco, one mother expressed her thoughts that a violent street gang was actually a positive community organization dedicated to helping kids. These examples highlight the need for educating parents and guardians about gangs and how to recognize them. As a general rule, "if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, its a duck." Parents must not dismiss or ignore the warning signs of gang involvement, especially since they are becoming increasingly subtle. A lot of gangs no longer openly "fly" or "throw up" their colors by way of beads and bandanas, and have turned to sports attire, fashion-ware, and ordinary clothing to identify members. It is easy to miss the white t-shirts and black pants worn by those in Vatos Locos, for example, if you are not looking for it. The key is not just to recognize similarities in clothing, hand-signs, tattoos, etc., among youth, but to observe who and what they exclude from their lives. To learn more about gang identifiers, scroll down to our first Child Threat tip, Gang Affiliation, below.

Play it Again Sam (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): Ask teachers and administrators about the prevalence of robberies that occur in an around middle and high schools in America and most parents would be surprised at their response. Although seldom reported to the police, robberies committed by gangs of youth against students going to, from, and while attending school happen all the time. Much of this has been brought on by the popularity of expensive cell phones and MP3 players and the "gimmie" mentality of modern teens. If they can't afford it, why not take it from your son or daughter while at the same time gaining "street cred" among their peers? "Sporting" a device taken by force from another student has become something of a status symbol for delinquents, undoubtedly tracing its roots to the victimization found on our streets and in correctional facilities. The problem has lead many educational institutions to either ban, or limit the possession and use of such devices while in school, under the pretext that they interfere with learning. That's a start. Still, without parental involvement the issue is far from being resolved. Parents need to question whenever their children come into possession of cell phones, MP3 players and the like that they didn't buy for them. And never accept the excuse that such an item was found or given as a gift by a friend. This is nothing more than a cover for theft, robbery, drug dealing, or other criminal activity. For those parents who have the resources to buy the latest device for their child, consider the harsh reality that exists today and whether you might be setting him or her up to be a victim. Is pleasing your child worth the possibility that he or she may face a beating by a band of thugs at school looking to make a name for themselves? Perhaps limits on where he or she carries an MP3 player or new cell phone might be the answer. In a perfect world, such preventative measures wouldn't be necessary...

Good Touch/Bad Touch (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): A lot of kids are not prepared by their well-intentioned parents for the possibility of becoming a victim of sexual abuse. Teach your children the difference between a good and a bad touch, the names of their body parts, and their private zones, which are off-limits. Reinforce that no one (aside from a doctor with a parent present) should ever touch them in their private zones with a hand, sexual organ, mouth or by other means, and that they should not do the same to someone else, even if asked to. Equally important, stress that if something happens to them, your children should report it to you immediately and that you won't blame or ridicule them for it. Teaching these things to your kids will not only help prevent the all to common occurrence in which an older teen friend, cousin or sibling coaxes a younger child into a sexual act, but ensures that your children receive the help they need right away. It also increases the likelihood that the perpetrator will be identified quickly, resulting in accountability, and hopefully saving other children from being sexually abused.

Light the Way (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): Lately, parents may have noticed the increasing popularity of small metal flashlights with teens. A lot of this has to do with the "coolness factor" of owning the newest gizmo or gadget. However, some of the kids who own them are not so innocent and carry them as makeshift weapons, replacing fistloads, impact devices, and Yawara, Koppo and Kubotan sticks. Like our earlier post about the use of padlocks as metal knuckles, parents should question the need and intent of their child in carrying one, before it is too late, and the instrument is used in an actual physical altercation.

Take Their Shoes (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): Ask a worker in a residential care facility for a tip on how to keep a teen from running away and you are likely to hear the response, "Take their shoes." Practical yet somewhat humorous advice that provides an immediate solution to the problem of the runaway child. However, it doesn't really get to the heart of the issue. Many children runaway from home to flee physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or alcohol or drug addicted parents. So the first step for any parent, aside from informing the authorities and doing whatever is necessary to get their child back home safe, should be to examine the family unit. If it is determined that none of the above factors exist, seek out therapy for your child right away to address the root cause of the problem. Also, if you require assistance, look into having your child classified as a status offender within your jurisdiction. Don't be afraid to admit your child is beyond your control. Finally, if necessary, explore a therapeutic boarding school or other placement alternatives. Remember, a runaway child is at great risk of exploitation and victimization while away from home. Hesitation on your part may only lead to further harm.

Recognizing Methamphetamine Use (Detective Greg Ferency, Terre Haute Police Dept., Terre Haute, IN): When a drug like methamphetamine ("meth") hits an area, all rules are thrown out the window. Meth use and abuse will ultimately result in delinquent and criminal behavior, often in the form of secondary crimes to fuel the use/addiction. Families are usually the first victims out of convenience, but after awhile, general crime (including violent offenses) are the end result. As a narcotics detective I regularly receive calls from frantic parents who think their kids are under the control of meth. I ask them what they are seeing (and hearing) to make them believe that. They give me a quick run down of their observations and in less than a minute I can tell them "yes, it sounds like meth has entered your world." Had they taken the time to learn a few simple signs of meth use/abuse early on, they might have been able to intervene before their child's addiction kicked in. It is important to realize that unlike the paraphernalia associated with “club drugs” such as ecstasy, which are related to maximizing the high itself, meth paraphernalia is associated with the ingestion of the drug. Here are a few examples of the same: Meth is sold and transported in corner cut plastic bags. This is exactly what it sounds like, the corners cut off plastic sandwich bags. They are in the shape of a triangle. Don't believe the excuse that they are for a stamp collection. Garbage bag twist ties cut in halves or thirds are used to contain, open and close the corner cut plastic bags. Hollowed out ink pens and straws cut in half or thirds are used for snorting or smoking meth. Strips of aluminum foil (may be creased down the middle) are used to smoke meth. The drug is placed in the crease and a heating source (flame) placed under the foil. When the meth evaporates, it is sucked into the lungs with the hollowed out pen or straw. You find these strips of foil rolled into balls. Hollow glass tubes, chipped or melted on one end (may have bulb at the end) are used for smoking meth. Meth is placed at one end of the tube and smoked through the other. Used glass tubes will have burn residue at one end. Don't believe that it is being used to smoke marijuana. Light bulbs with internal pieces taken out are also modified for this purpose. It will have a chipped or melted hole on top of the bulb. When used, burn residue will be obvious. Syringes are indicative of hard-core meth use. Medical science knows this is the most proficient way to get a drug in the body and so do users. Spoons are used to melt meth in water prior to injection. Again, look for burn residue. Small pieces of cotton or cigarette filters are used to filter the meth/water solution for injection. Meth melts at a fairly low temperature and most of the cutting agents remain solid. This helps ensure the user is getting more meth than "cut." Torch lighters are popular as a heating source to smoke and inject meth. They work a little better than standard lighters. These are just some of the paraphernalia associated with methamphetamine use/abuse, but not all. Parents must learn to recognize them. Many of the parents that I speak to tell me they saw these items long before they knew their child had a problem. But they did not know what they were until I told them. Had they known, they may have been able to intervene before they were forced to make contact with me, which was usually the result of a negative incident that happened to their child either as a suspect or victim of a crime. PDP note: There is little to add to this excellent tip. Here is a seasoned narcotics detective, a meth expert, who has insight few outside the world of addiction know. Parents need to learn it too, to protect their kids from harm.

"Intervention" on A&E (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): Anyone who has ever attended one of our dozens of parent meetings throughout Westchester County knows that we strive to refrain from any form of commercialism. That's why we don't have ads on this website, and instead dip into our own pockets to pay for brochures, hosting, etc. We believe this keeps our efforts legitimate and credible. Not surprisingly, Prevent Delinquency Project materials have been used in a number of other locations, including by police departments in New Hampshire and South Carolina, and a Passages parenting program in Chicago, Illinois. In keeping with this philosophy, we are also hesitant to endorse television programming and the like. However, one program in particular, "Intervention" on A&E, deserves recognition. Each episode follows the life of an addict before, during and after an intervention by trained specialists. Although the subjects are all adults, this is a great learning tool for parents. By watching this show, you will observe addicts craving for, using, experiencing and coming down off of drugs. This should not only assist you in identifying paraphernalia and the drugs themselves, but also how they are prepared and used. In addition, you will see the physical signs of addiction, and irrational behavior addicts exhibit with their family and friends. Thus, we highly recommend watching it.

Statutory Rape (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): There is an epidemic that exists in the U.S. these days that just about everyone seems to turn a blind eye to - statutory rape. Each year, thousands of girls in their early teens and younger are being lured into sexual practices by older men in their late teens and early 20's, with catastrophic results. Not surprisingly, cases of sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, and wrecked lives continue to mount. We don't know when society's permissive culture chose to ignore these blatant sexual offenses, but it is clear at some point it did. Schools, public service organizations and parents have allowed this disgrace to take place right under their noses. Even when informed of the obvious, they seldom report it to the police. Law enforcement hands are often tied, without a cooperative witness or other corroboration of an offense. Parents need to proactively safeguard their children from this threat by knowing where they are at all times and who they are with. Equally important, is that parents build a relationship of trust and understanding with their children, so that they will feel comfortable discussing their victimization, not only with them, but with police and prosecutors as well, to ensure that justice prevails.

Whippets (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): Have you ever noticed the way teens at concerts, raves and parties have a supply of inflated balloons around? If they don't float beware. That's not always helium folks. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is gaining popularity with older kids these days. Tanks of the stuff, the same as found in your dentist's office, can be observed being dispensed from the back of cars and vans in parking lots outside of concert arenas. Dealers sell balloons filled with it to kids for a few dollars a piece. The gas is also common in other forms in your home. Chargers, resembling CO2 cartridges that power BB guns, and sold for those with home whipped cream machines, are used for the same purpose. "Head shops" sell devices in which teens place a cartridge inside it, and then empty the gas into a balloon from which they inhale. In addition, nitrous oxide is the propellant found in popular cans of instant whipped cream you buy at the supermarket. If the can in your refrigerator runs out of propellant before the contents do, or mysteriously makes its way into your child's room once empty, that should raise an eyebrow...

CD Diversion Safe (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): A new diversion safe has hit the market. Resembling a stack of compact discs, it has a secret compartment in the center where kids can hide drugs and other contraband. Be on the lookout for it. Similar to the soda cans with false bottoms and hollow books that have been around forever, and the recently introduced "stash" water bottles, these items are often overlooked by parents.

"Come Right In..." (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): The majority of children who are victims of sexual abuse know their attackers. Ask any child protective service worker and you will quickly learn, aside from family members, it is most common for children to be sexually assaulted by someone their parent is dating. The majority of such cases involve single mothers who unknowingly invite pedophile boyfriends into their homes, thus providing access to their kids. Fortunately, this situation is easily preventable. Parents should not introduce a new boyfriend or girlfriend to their children unless absolutely certain they are not a threat. Keep the relationship outside your home and don't involve your kids until you know who you are dealing with. Give it time, and check them out first. Any inconvenience caused is worth it. Lonely or not, your social life should never come before the well-being of your children.

Web Slang (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): Some time ago, we warned parents that children were developing their own means of communication online. This trend continued and a new language has literally been born. Unless parents are able to understand it, their children will be at risk. Most parents are savvy enough to locate their child's computer in an open area to deter them from accessing inappropriate websites and chatrooms. However, few are able to read the acronyms and symbols kids use regularly in email and instant messaging. It's called "web slang." To learn it, simply do a Google or Yahoo search for "webslang" or "web slang" and study the lists found on several websites. Don't be intimidated. At first, it may seem like learning a foreign language, but after a few minutes of review you'll see the patterns that this form of communication takes and be in a position to decipher even the most complex messages.

Their First Breakup (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): With summer upon us and young relationships beginning to form, it's important that parents are aware of one of the greatest threats to children - their first breakup. Historically, this hardship used to occur most frequently to young adults in the 18-25 age range. However, as kids tend to begin dating earlier these days (something we do not condone or advise), it is not uncommon for them to experience their first breakup while still in their mid-to-late teens. Think back to the end of your first serious relationship, and you will quickly realize the danger this presents to children. That time in your life when you were most vulnerable, and placed complete trust and blind faith, without hesitation or worry, in the will of another. The emotional scars and feelings of hopelessness and despair that result from a first breakup often take months or even years to heal. A lot can happen in the interim... Many children will turn to alcohol and drugs to numb their pain. Others will engage in sexual promiscuity that places them at risk of teen pregnancy, and contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Remember, dealers and players alike are waiting in the wings to take advantage of your child when s/he is hurting. Academic performance and family relationships are often adversely affected as well. And in some cases, a child's first breakup will lead to suicidal and/or homicidal behavior. So what can we do as parents? Step one, is to recognize the threat for what it is. Do not minimize or trivialize what your child is going through. Talk to your child. Be honest and share your own experiences and suffering with him or her. Let your child know that there is hope, and that one day, after working through the pyramid of self-blame, sadness, and anger, they will reach the point of acceptance and/or indifference. Most important of all, listen to your child, and don't ever tire of doing so. Always be open and receptive to him or her. Do not dismiss what they tell you or brush them aside. Sometimes, your child may need professional help to work through their first breakup. There is nothing wrong or unusual about that. Seek out a qualified counselor or therapist, and if called upon to participate in a session, welcome the opportunity to help your child heal. Put the needs of your children before your own.

A Rose By Any Other Name (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): Here's a new trend among street addicts gaining popularity in New York and spreading rapidly across the country... Have you ever gone into a convenience store and noticed those small roses encased in glass tubes sold from counter displays for a few dollars each? Crack cocaine users remove the rose from the tube and use it to smoke their drug of choice when traditional glass pipes are unavailable. Not surprisingly, addicts can be very resourceful in modifying common everyday items into paraphernalia. Other examples include marijuana pipes made out of potatoes and soda bottle tops with the plastic inserts removed which are used to heat up heroin with water prior to injecting it. As always, parents need to be on the lookout for any unusual glass tubes, bottle caps, tinfoil sheets, etc., containing residue or burn marks.

Eating Disorders, Self lnjury & Suicide (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): While not characteristic of delinquent behavior, eating disorders, self injury and suicide represent three of the greatest threats to our children. Admittedly, PDP staff lack a complete and thorough knowledge of these subjects and hope to add the opinions of certified clinicians to Child Threat in the future. However, the recent discovery of the death of a wonderful, bright and talented 23 year old young lady who struggled since her teens, has added a sense of urgency to this post. Families often don't understand why their children suffer from eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, and/or self injure themselves until it is too late and the spiral of self-destruction and depression leads to suicide. Moreover, unlike delinquent behavior which is brought to the attention of others, including family court, through contacts with the police, eating disorders and self injury are family secrets that exist behind closed doors. If your child resists maintaining their body weight within normal limits given their age and height, exhibits an intense fear of getting fat, is missing menstrual periods (in girls who have reached puberty), engage in binging, frequently go to the bathroom after eating (possibly to purge), wear bulky clothes to cover up how thin they are and/or abuse laxatives, it is likely they are suffering from an eating disorder. If your child exhibits unexplained cuts, scrapes or bruises on a regular basis (which they sometimes try to cover up with clothing) they may be practicing self injury. Lastly, if your child's personality has changed dramatically, they always seem bored, run away from home, appear withdrawn, have changed their eating or sleeping habits, write notes or poems about death and/or have given away their prized possessions, the risk of suicide is high. Keep in mind, these are only some of the many red flags that exist for the above-noted behaviors. The important thing is to get them help now. Contact a pediatrician, school counselor or mental health professional immediately. (T.E.S., you will not be forgotten)

Ultra-Violent Video Games (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): As if the wave of violent video games such as Grand Theft Auto weren't enough, where kids pretend to be criminals, stealing cars and assaulting other characters with baseball bats, chains, knives and firearms, recently released games such as 25 to Life, have taken the industry to a new low. In 25 to Life, kids can choose to be a gang member who advances through drive-by shootings of police officers and using other people as human shields. Promoters argue it's rated 17 and older and intended for mature players. Do you believe this rating will keep the game out of the hands of young children? Many parents will unknowingly purchase the game for their kids upon request, without even considering what the rating system means.

Law Enforcement Is Watching (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): Internet predators aside, police and school administrators are reporting additional threats to children on sites like MySpace.com. Teens are using them to set up pages that openly promote gang affiliations. Many of these pages are used to harass innocent kids and challenge rival gangs to violent confrontations, that sometimes spill over into schools and on to the street. Not surprisingly, law enforcement professionals have taken to monitoring these sites for intelligence purposes, and when appropriate, effectuate arrests of juveniles who violate the law. However, parents should not rely upon the police, or anyone else, to raise their children and monitor what they are up to. Rather, parents must proactively visit these sites themselves and speak with their children about what they find. Keep in mind, many children will have more than one page - one to satisfy their parents, and another to discuss gangs, drugs, reckless sexual practices and violence. For additional tips on how to protect children online, please see the following posts below: Too Much Space, Internet Dangers and Instant Messaging & Email.

Too Much Space (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): Despite all of the recent media attention about pedophiles approaching children online, too many parents are still allowing their kids unrestricted access to the Internet. You wouldn't allow your kids to play outside the home of a known sex offender would you? Then why would you allow thousands of the same sex offenders access to your children in the virtual world? A quick news search will reveal dozens of articles detailing how children have been fooled into meeting adults they met on sites like MySpace.com in person and were subsequently raped and even killed by them. Need additional proof? Maybe we can help... Overture is a Yahoo company which allows advertisers to market their products or services through the Yahoo search engine. To assist them in choosing the right keywords to bid on, Overture tracks searches made in any given month using Yahoo. We just used the Overture keyword selector tool and did a test search of the phrase "myspace.com teen" with disturbing results: Last month, 5585 Yahoo searches were conducted for "teen site myspace.com," 1001 for "teen sex site myspace.com," 984 for "nude teen myspace.com," 551 for "naked teen myspace.com," 305 for "teen porn site myspace.com," 289 for "teen slut site myspace.com," 235 for "horny teen site myspace.com," 156 for "young teen site myspace.com," etc. The list goes on and on. Many of the results were too disgusting to post here. Parents, just who do you think was conducting these searches looking for dirty pictures of teens on MySpace.com? If this doesn't change your mind, we don't know what will.

Family & Friends - The Drug Connection (Detective Greg Ferency, Terre Haute Police Dept., Terre Haute, IN):Having worked narcotics enforcement for many years, one thing has become painfully obvious to me. A lot of parents mistakenly think children are being introduced to drugs like methamphetamine ("meth") by street corner dealers. While it is always a possibility, and a concern, from what I have assessed, it is not the norm. Countless numbers of people arrested for drug related crimes that I have had the opportunity to interview have stated they were first exposed to drugs by a friend, schoolmate or a family member. In short, someone they trusted. Many of them have also advised that they didn't think they would become addicted to drugs such as meth, even though a majority of the group (approx. 80%) stated they knew they would take it again after their first experimentation. What users have also shared with me, is that they only heard initially what was good about meth (and other drugs) and not what was bad. That is common among those in the drug culture. Dealers and other substance abusers intentionally omit this information when sharing what they know. Most addicts have told me that they were aware street drugs were against the law when they started using them, but never realized the absolute chaos addiction would bring into their lives, including crimes resulting in arrest, and physical and mental side effects. So what does it all mean? Don't lock your kids in their rooms and never let them out. Instead, educate and inform your children about drugs and the drug culture, including the consequences of engaging in it. PDP note: We agree with the Detective... Education is the key to preventing substance abuse. And in our opinion, the best place to start teaching kids about drugs is in the home. If you bond with your children, by loving and supporting them, and educate them about the dangers they may face (after you learn yourself), they will find the strength within themselves, and in you, to resist the negative influence of peers. Often, it does come down to whom they trust more, you, or a friend at school. Also, be aware, family relationships aren't always healthy ones. Many children are introduced to substance abuse by an older brother or sister. That is especially true with gateway drugs such as marijuana.

Molotov Cocktails, M-80's & Cherry Bombs (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): It is essential that parents learn about the dangers of Class C fireworks, legally sold to adults in many U.S. states, and the more powerful types that surface on the black market. Equally important, in the Internet age, parents must also be aware of home workshop salutes, explosives, and incendiary devices. The fireworks industry in the U.S. is a highly regulated one for good reason. There are countless horror stories, sad but true, of children being seriously injured and suffering permanent disfigurement, including loss of vision, hearing, digits, and limbs, as a result of playing with fireworks. Just because many fireworks can be legally bought and sold, does not make them safe. Thousands of children every year are hurt by simple sparklers, smoke bombs, firecrackers and bottle rockets. In addition, keep in mind, that many fireworks, including M-80's and cherry bombs, are illegal under federal law. As a result, those that are sold on the black market have been manufactured in clandestine facilities without regulatory oversight. Like drug dealers, the people making and selling them will often cut corners to increase their profit margin. For example, legal fireworks contain an explosive powder which includes graphite in it to reduce friction. Many illegal salutes do not. If carried by a child in their pocket or hand, and subjected to movement which creates friction, they can detonate without having been lit. That's a scary thought when you consider some of these fireworks have a blast equal to that of a quarter stick of dynamite. Moreover, a lot of the fuses on these devices are either too short or of questionable manufacture. Thus, a child may light one and not be able to get a safe distance away before it explodes. If that weren't bad enough, they are now being sold in kit form. Lately, we have observed a number of entities selling the tubes, end caps, glue and cannon fuse needed to make M-80's, etc., online. The only component they leave out is the explosive powder. However, they provide sources, including websites, for companies selling the chemicals to manufacture it on their links pages. "Recipes" and construction plans to make everything from Molotov cocktails and M-80's to pipe bombs, are all over the Internet. Kids are downloading them. No wonder law enforcement agencies have noticed an increase in incidents of children building incendiary devices and bombs at home in recent years. So what can be done about it? For starters, don't allow your children to play with fireworks, legal or otherwise. Take them to a public display instead. Talk to your kids about the dangers fireworks, explosives and incendiary devices represent. Always know what your children are doing online. Don't allow them to visit websites that contain the information described. Keep an eye on what they download and print. Furthermore, watch what books and magazines your children read. One publication popular with kids is the Anarchist Cookbook. It shows how to make homemade explosives, drugs, guns, silencers and other nasty stuff. Adopt a no closed door policy in your household, allowing for occasional privacy, of course. Be aware of what is going on in the basement, attic, garage and clubhouse. Question and verify the content of packages your children receive at home. Account for gasoline and other accelerants. Finally, don't allow children to experiment with chemicals, even if it's in their science kit, without your supervision. Some of them can be used to make explosives.

Xanax (Brenda Giancaspro, MSEd., Port Chester, NY): It is important for parents to realize that Xanax is becoming the drug of choice for many children. It is easy to obtain, because it is widely prescribed for anxiety, and often thought of as a safer alternative to street drugs such as crack or heroin. PDP note: Ease of access certainly has a lot to due with children abusing prescription drugs. In addition, many kids mistakenly perceive drugs such as Xanax as safe to abuse by virtue of the fact that they are manufactured and sold legally, prescribed to children and adults that they know, and have reliable dosing. This gives them a false sense of security. Kids also think they can predict and control the "high" associated with such abuse, and that prescription drugs are not addictive. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Burned by a Pen (A.M., Brooklyn, NY): Children in the middle school here engage in terrible behavior. They will rub a pen on a desk until the point heats up and then burn a classmate on the arm with it. PDP note: Unfortunately, kids can be very cruel, and bullying knows no limitations. Our founder learned of one incident for example where a bully in a seventh grade class passed time by shooting paperclips at fellow students using a rubber-band. He hit a young lad in the face once, and finding the response humorous, did so again. The second shot lodged in the victim's left eye, resulting in permanent blindness. Sorry just doesn't cut it under such circumstances. What makes things worse, after the school principal and the police became involved, the bully's mother continued to minimize and trivialize her son's actions, suggesting he and the victim were "only children kidding around." Talk about adding insult to injury. Parents and teachers must treat all potential instances of bullying seriously, investigate them as quickly as possible, and institute corrective measures when confirmed. Dismissing bullying as playfulness is never acceptable.

Rat Tail Combs (Concerned Teacher, California): They are back and kids are carrying them. PDP note: To those unfamiliar with rat tail combs, they are often made of steel, aluminum, or plastic, and range in length from seven to eight inches, with a three to four inch handle that tapers to a fine point. In the late 1970's and early 1980's they were popular with skinheads and followers of the punk rock scene. Kids would sometimes sharpen the point and/or edge of the handle to use the combs as makeshift stabbing implements. Police eventually caught on and started confiscating the combs. One obvious give-away to authorities was the fact that children with shaved heads don't need combs to use for hair grooming... A company named Al Mar Knives took the idea even further in the late 1980's and manufactured a "comb" with a double-edged dagger blade they marketed as "Wild Hair." This knife was eventually taken off the market, but rat tail combs themselves are still being sold today.

Pens, Magic Markers & Correction Fluid (Brenda Giancaspro, M.Ed., Port Chester, NY): If your child has unusual marks caused by these items around his or her nose, lips, other areas of the face, or fingers, it may be an indication that he or she is abusing inhalants. Other things to look out for include clothing with strong odors, particularly around the sleeves and collars, chemical-soaked rags, plastic bags that smell like glue, a lot of empty butane lighters, used spray cans, etc., in your child's room, and missing household cleaners. Inhalant abuse is especially popular with younger children in the elementary and middle schools. PDP note: "Huffing" is extremely dangerous. Parents often miss the warning signs, because the substances abused and paraphernalia associated with the same are found in most homes. However, make no mistake, they are every bit as deadly as street drugs.

Follow the Money Trail (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): Want to find out what your child is really up to? Account for his or her income. You'd be surprised how many children spend all of their money on weekends on drugs and alcohol, and their parents don't have a clue of what is happening until it's too late. Some parents don't understand a child spending $50 on a Friday night is a "red flag." Studies have shown unallocated money in a child's pocket greatly increases their risk of engaging in substance abuse. As a result, we don't support allowances unless the dollars are specifically allocated with parental approval. Likewise, when it comes to employment, although the development of a work ethic is beneficial (provided it does not interfere with school performance), money children earn from a part-time job is not theirs to do with as they please. Parents should place this income in a joint interest-bearing savings account and insist that children seek prior approval from them before buying anything with it. That does not mean denying your son or daughter the right to be a child, and occasionally make a frivolous or unnecessary purchase. Remember, it is vices you are seeking to protect them from. Verify what your child earns by examining his or her pay-stub and by speaking with his or her employer. However, due diligence doesn't end there. Children will sometimes steal clothing and other items from stores to cover-up where their money is really going. Also, if you find your child has things that don't seem to fit into his or her budget, investigate the source of the same. They may be stealing from family members, shoplifting, selling drugs, or engaging in other criminal behavior. Don't accept the explanation, "a friend gave it to me" either. Friends don't just give friends expensive gifts. This is a common excuse used by children when confronted by their parents about illegal activity. Moreover, bear in mind, it is not unusual for older teenagers and adults to entice young children with "gifts" in exchange for sexual favors.

Internet Dangers (Ryan McAndrews, Butler, PA): As a general rule, children will find ways to access the computer when you aren't around, regardless of security measures you may put in place, so it's important to be able to monitor their "secret" activities. There are programs out there which will either keep a copy of websites visited, or prevent deletion of the history. Routers also often have the ability to log sites visited. And I think there are settings which can be changed within Windows. Repeated visits or "hits" to websites such as erowid.org (where users document their drug experiences), or others sites related to substance abuse, hate, or gang activities, are definite "red flags." PDP note: There are endless dangers online. We were not aware that there are websites in which users report on their drug experimentation, but are not surprised. To combat the Internet threat against your children, a good place to start is by reading our response to an earlier tip below, Instant Messaging & Email. If serious concerns arise, there are many hardware and software solutions available to you as well. Contact the Prevent Delinquency Project directly and we can explain what options exist.

Stealth Pipes (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): Most parents are able to recognize traditional pipes used for smoking marijuana. However, few know that many "smoking accessories" manufactured and sold today to kids are covert by design. We have come across "pot" pipes that are made to look like common everyday items, including magic markers, car cigarette lighters, pens, lipstick, cigarettes, Zippo lighters, key chain flashlights, cube toys, and even batteries. When in doubt, examine the suspected item closely. It won't work the same as its legitimate counterpart. Moreover, the odor of marijuana, burn marks and residue will quickly give it away.

Tips From a Pro (Police Chief [Name Withheld], New England [Town Withheld]): Don't ignore kids who exhibit gang behavior, because you don't believe they belong to one. If your child starts hanging out with others who wear similar clothing, symbols, etc., and they act like a gang, treat them that way, and address the issue immediately. An inexpensive method to monitor your child's unauthorized use of a vehicle, aside from checking the mileage, is by putting a box in the trunk with some items in it. Check to see if the box/items are tipped over. It requires a little experimentation, but works. To monitor what's going on with your child on the telephone, start by reviewing telephone bills. If you suspect something is wrong, consider getting a second caller ID box and hiding it in the master bedroom or some other location in the house. Don't reveal the existence of the second box to your child. That way, if they delete the IDs from the main box (as kids often do), you'll still be able to know who was calling. Computers will provide you with a wealth of information. However, in the case of a missing child, let the police investigate computer usage first. Watch out for kids leaving school events (dances, sports, etc.) early. Also, be aware many kids use these events as a ruse to hang out with friends and never go inside the building upon their arrival. In addition, watch for them entering and leaving the building repeatedly - they may be going out for alcohol or drugs. Most schools prevent this at dances, but it still happens at sporting events. To know what is occurring at such events, volunteer to chaperone, or at least speak to those who do. Lastly, keep on good terms with your neighbors. They can tell you if strange cars are in the driveway or other kids are hanging out at your house. Sometimes, your child's friends may park down the street and walk to your house. PDP note: Although we were asked not to list the name and town of the Police Chief who provided these great tips, we thought it appropriate to inform you of his position. He is a professional with a lot of experience and parents should welcome his advice.

Nosebleeds (Ryan McAndrews, Butler, PA): One thing that might seem obvious in hindsight, is if a child is having abnormally frequent nosebleeds (particularly if a rash of them starts suddenly) that could be a sign that they are "snorting" cocaine, meth, ground up Ritalin or diet pills, or any other number of substances. PDP note: Parents need to keep in mind, most hard core addicts don't start out sticking a needle ("works," "pins," or "gear") in their arm. The majority of them (who come from all walks of life) begin as recreational users, ingesting, sniffing or smoking their drug(s) of choice. Many who are heroin, cocaine or methamphetamine users will turn to "mainlining" after they have eroded their nasal passages away, suffer a collapsed septum, or decide they want more "bang for the buck," when they develop a tolerance for the drug and their habit becomes expensive. Paraphernalia associated with "snorting" include cut straws, rolled up currency, mirrors, razor blades and playing cards (used to prepare lines). If they start to sell drugs ("deal," "hustle," or "get paid"), as so many do to support their own habit, you may also find scales, grinders, screens, cutting agents such as talcum powder, corn starch, or vitamin C powder, and packaging like glassine envelopes, plastic baggies, and paper or tinfoil packets (square in shape folded into a rectangle where one end tucks inside to keep it closed).

Time & Mileage (William Sanders, SPI & Associates, Private Detective Agency, www.sps-spi.com, Paola, KS): Parents should consider the following warning signs: If your child takes longer than expected to go to the library or a friend's house, or if the mileage of the vehicle they use doesn't add up. With GPS trackers, inexpensive but highly useful tools that can be placed in a vehicle or personal belongings, it is possible to know the addresses that children visit, along with corresponding dates and times. PDP note: It seems so simple doesn't it? But how many parents verify that their children are where they claim to be, by calling their teachers, coaches, friend's parents, etc., and/or monitoring the time it takes them to travel and the mileage on their vehicle? Knowing the approximate travel times and mileage between your teenager's school, home, friend's house, church, recreation center, etc., requires little effort, even without GPS technology. We rarely recommend specific "tools of the trade" out of fear parents may misuse or abuse them. However, if "red flags" arise and it becomes necessary to know for sure where your child has been and what they are up to, some devices can be helpful.

Plastic Weapons (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): A new breed of plastic weapons have hit the market that are sure to turn up in schools. Parents, teachers and law enforcement professionals must be diligent in their efforts to detect them. While plastic knives concealed in hairbrushes and combs, "CIA Letter Openers," and "Executive Ice Scrapers," have been around for years, most before now were manufactured offshore, and of such poor quality, that they represented little more of a threat than the common Bic pen (which incidentally has been used in numerous school and detention facility stabbings). However, polymer weapons have become increasingly sophisticated in the past few years. Plastic knuckles, for example, of the same design as traditional brass knuckles, but made of a lightweight yet strong polymer, are being sold widely on the Internet, including on several online auction sites. The reason they are so dangerous, is not only the obvious, that they reinforce the fist when used to punch, but they are invisible to metal detectors found at schools, courthouses, and most other facilities. In fact, to our knowledge, only airports and some federal buildings have "wave technology" that will pick up plastic weapons. To make things worse, new high-strength polymer knives have been released in recent months by Cold Steel(TM) of Ventura, CA. They include tantos, darts, boot knives, daggers and push-knives, all of which sell for under $15.00! To "comply" with states such as California, which have made plastic knives illegal, they attach a small metal split ring to the thong hole of the weapon. However, once it is sold, with the help of a pair of pliers, or even strong hands, the ring is easily removed, leaving a weapon that will pass through school security.

Deck of Cards or "Deck" of Heroin (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): Here's a hide-away we just learned about that is being sold on the Internet... Made from a real deck of cards, when the box is opened, it appears to be full of cards. In actually, inside is a hollow compartment. It is weighted so that when loaded, it will feel right to anyone who picks it up. However, the fake deck top is removable revealing the contents. The compartment is large enough to hold illicit substances. If your child has one of these in his/her room or on their person, it is easy to miss, unless you know the trick. And speaking of "decks," that's what small glassine (like wax paper) envelopes of heroin are often called on the street. The same type of packaging is sometimes used for cocaine. They are small enough to be secreted just about anywhere, including in a normal deck of cards, a book, tissue dispenser, the back of a pack of candy, a cigarette box, etc. Learn the lingo and paraphernalia associated with substance abuse.

Watch the Wash (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): To all those mothers who continue to do their teenager's laundry (you know who you are), this is something to look out for. Boxer underwear is being sold with a 3" x 3" pocket sewn into the front of them. Marketed as a way to keep a condom at hand, they have also become popular with drug users. Addicts believe that if they hide their stash in the underwear pocket, it may be missed if the wearer is subjected to a "stop and frisk," where they are patted down and/or have their outer clothing pockets turned inside-out by police. If you find this underwear in your child's wash, it may be an indication that he/she is either sexually active and/or engaging in substance abuse.

"...back in an hour." (Deputy Sheriff, Upstate, NY): Parents are happy to hear when their child tells them he/she is only going out with friends for an hour. And they think nothing of it when their child returns home and immediately heads to his/her room because they are "tired." However, this could be a sign of substance abuse. PDP note: We can't stress enough that parents have a responsibility to know where their children are at all times, who they are with, and what they are up to. Something as seemingly benign as a child leaving home for an hour at night to "pick up a homework assignment from a friend" should not be ignored, especially if it happens often, their behavior is irregular or secretive, or other "red flags" exist. Yes, your child may just be picking up a homework assignment. Or in actuality, going out to "get high" or purchase drugs from a dealer. In some communities, it is so common children have adopted their own language to describe such activities. For example, when kids in wealthy Westchester County towns and villages skip classes at school or leave home in the middle of the night to do a "B run" with their friends, it means taking a quick 20 minute drive to The Bronx, to purchase the narcotics of their choice.

Ecstasy Tool-Kit (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): With the alarming rate of ecstasy use among children, it is important that parents recognize the signs of the same. One way to do so, is by learning the paraphernalia associated with the drug. Baby pacifiers and lollipops are commonly used to combat the teeth grinding caused by ecstasy. Those on ecstasy also drink a lot of water to overcome dehydration. In addition, many heighten their experiences on the drug with Vicks inhalers in painter's masks, and by playing with glow sticks, particularly while attending raves and other gatherings.

BB Guns (Police Officers, Across the Nation): Parents must control access to BB guns, air guns, air soft guns, paintball guns, etc. PDP note: This is one we have heard about from numerous law enforcement professionals. Gone are the days when the worst thing kids did with BB guns, etc., were acts of criminal mischief (shooting out windows and lights) and playing war with their friends ("you'll shoot your eye out kid"). Many children today not only use them to menace others, but commit felony assaults and robberies. Not surprisingly, a number of jurisdictions, including New York, have made it an act of juvenile delinquency for a child under 16 to possess one. These are not the one-pump wonders most of us grew up with. BB guns, etc., today are extremely powerful. There are models that achieve velocities similar to subsonic ammunition used in firearms. In short, they are dangerous weapons - not toys. Even worse, a lot of them closely resemble real firearms. This not only increases the risk of them being used in crimes, but also of getting the child who possesses one killed. Police officers put their lives on the line everyday, and particularly in urban areas, they face violent juveniles with access to heavy firepower on the street. If they observe what resembles a gun, police officers can't wait to see if it is real (they have families to go home to). So they treat it like it is. Fortunately, most instances only result in the subject child being "muzzled," but sometimes, the outcome is more tragic. The bottom line is this, if you choose to allow your children to use BB guns, air guns, air soft guns, paintball guns, etc., make sure they only do so when you are around, in a safe environment, and with proper training. Under no circumstances should children have free access to them on their own. Also, keep in mind, kids will look for places to hide them, in your house, at school, or at the home of a friend.

Animal Cruelty (Dr. David B., Brighton Beach, NY): Observe your child's behavior around animals. If he/she abuses or mistreats them, don't ignore it. Seek out professional help. PDP note: This is something overlooked by many parents. Believing perhaps their child could never engage in animal cruelty, they write-off what they see as "playfulness." And yet time and time again, we learn of sex offenders, arsonists, and those who commit serious assaults, and even murder, as having had a history of animal cruelty when they were younger. That is not to say that you should assume your child is a sociopath because his/her behavior around animals appears irregular. However, when in doubt, clinical intervention is warranted. Address these issues while your child is still young.

Household Drugs (Chris, Pharmacist, Connecticut): Secure and account for all prescription and over-the-counter medications in your household. Kids often steal prescribed drugs from family members. I know of one instance for example where irate parents returned to a pharmacy and yelled at employees because they believed an elderly member of the family had been dispensed the wrong medication. It turned out, after further investigation, their daughter confessed to taking the medication and replacing it with vitamins. PDP note: That's an excellent point. Remember when you had a root-canal and the dentist prescribed Tylenol with Codeine? How many did you take? How many do you have left? Would you know if one or more were missing? Children will steal them for their own use, to sell to their friends, or trade for street drugs. Sometimes, children will sell and trade their own medications, such as Ritalin, in school. Over-the-counter medications are widely abused by kids too, and many are precursors to manufacture other drugs. As a side note, if you find a drug in your home and don't know what it is, contact your local pharmacist...

Date Rape Drugs (Chris, Pharmacist, Connecticut): Parents need to inform their kids about date rape drugs. PDP note: We agree... Typically found at raves, dance clubs, college gatherings and high school parties, Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid ("GHB"), Rohypnol and Ketamine, are often voluntarily taken by teens to "get high." Aside from being extremely dangerous and unpredictable, resulting in thousands of emergency room visits across the country, these drugs also share one additional distinction, that is, their role as date rape drugs. Rohypnol is often shipped from pharmaceutical operators located outside the United States, Ketamine is typically stolen from veterinary clinics, and GHB is manufactured in clandestine labs using solvents and cleaners. To understand the magnitude of the problem, one need only look at Woodstock '99. Over one hundred rapes were reported at the event (and experts believe there were up to five hundred more cases that went unreported), largely attributed to GHB. Colorless, odorless, and virtually tasteless, it can easily be slipped into a beverage and ingested, without the victim knowing, until it is too late. Moreover, because of the amnesia it produces, victims are often haunted by memories of a sexual assault for years after the attack, but are unable to identify those involved. Perpetrators know this, and in recent years have become more brazen. Cases involving couples and even small groups of people being drugged have occurred. There is no longer safety in numbers... Tell your children to only drink out of cans and bottles they open themselves and have constant control over. If they put it down and walk away, advise them not to drink it, but rather open a new one. And never share beverages or food with others...

Instant Messaging & Email (Anonymous, Minneapolis, MN): Children are developing their own language in an effort to throw parents off. For instance, "POS" when used in instant messaging or email means "Parents Over Shoulder." PDP note: This is going to require parents to be alert and diligent. Some acronyms are widely known, others may be agreed upon between your child and a few friends. Want to know what it means? Ask them. But don't automatically accept their explanation. Does it satisfy the straight face test? Remember, the Internet is a dangerous place for kids, with sexual predators virtually everywhere. In addition, "vices" such as prescription drugs are just a click away. At the same time, it has become a necessary evil, and the primary tool for students in completing class projects and research assignments. In our day and age a student's first reference source was an encyclopedia. Today, kids search online. Still, there are many steps you can take to protect your kids. Those mentioned hereinafter are just some of them. First, explain to your kids that the restrictions and limitations are in place not because you distrust them, but rather because you want to protect them. Educate your children about the threats that they face online and they will be less likely to fall prey to them when you aren't around, or if they use computers at school, a friend's house, or the local library. Advise your children never to communicate with strangers, go into chat rooms, or post information about themselves on the web. Don't allow "personal pages" with information and/or photographs about them, their friends, or family members. Even things like the name of a local ice-cream shop, a school sports team etc., can be used to track them down. Tell your children to report anything suspicious immediately, including emails or instant messages from strangers, especially those who claim to be "a friend of a friend." Have the family computer located in a common area such as the living room or den. Do not allow children to have Internet access behind closed doors. Just knowing someone else might walk by any moment will limit their temptation to break the rules. If possible, only allow them to use the computer while you are home and awake. This can be done via password. Obviously, if you or another adult are rarely home (which is another issue to be addressed) you don't want their studies to suffer. If your service provider has parental controls that block or filter the material your children can access, use it. Otherwise, buy a program, but recognize they aren't perfect and kids may figure out ways around them. Don't allow kids to access adult websites or those involving sex, drugs, hate groups, etc. Don't allow your children to use instant messaging. If you do, have them go over each and every person on their "buddy list" and link each "handle" to a specific friend. Know who they are and contact their parents to make sure. Build a good relationship with these parents. Find out what their policy is regarding the Internet and other parenting issues. If they let kids do what they want, without limitations, you might want to rethink allowing your children to go over their house or associate with their children for that matter. Our founder's grandmother used to say, "Tell me who you are going around with and I'll tell you who you are." It makes sense doesn't it? Good parenting is a team approach. Parents need to work together to protect their kids. If you have discussed the rules of computer usage and Internet surfing with your children and monitored the same, but believe something may be wrong, sit down and discuss it with them again. If you continue to be worried, spot check their email and look up the history and cookies of websites they have visited. Your computer's operating system stores this information.

Drug Trade Names (Art Guzman, Miami, FL): A recent newspaper article indicated dealers are giving their drugs names (aside from street terms). PDP note: Branding of street drugs is nothing new, but parents certainly should be aware of it. Just like multimillion dollar companies that seek to promote trademarks for what they sell to establish goodwill and brand loyalty, major drug operations use brand names as indicators of source and quality in an effort to make addicts return customers. For example, going back 15 or 20 years, narcotics were openly sold on street corners, in alleyways, and in courtyards taken over and controlled by drug dealing gangs in The Bronx under the trade names "Dr. Wood," "Dr. Detroit," "Pink Panther," "Rated X," "New Improved," "Bomber Z," "Checkmate," "True Value," "Blue Thunder," "Beef," "Tuna," "Red Moon," etc. Notice that many of these street brands copy legitimate marks or mimic innocuous things (to evade law enforcement radar). It would almost seem humorous, if we didn't know about all the lives that were/are destroyed as a result of this poison. The Prevent Delinquency Project intentionally chose these street brands because they are long gone through successful police efforts (thank you NYPD Bronx Narcotics Task Force) and we aren't going to help promote any that exist today. Still, these examples give parents an idea of what to look out for. If you hear your child talking about similar things, beware. Also, if you find any small paper, plastic or glassine (like wax paper - used for packaging heroin and cocaine) envelopes or remnants of the same, without or without brands stamped on them, you need to act immediately in getting your child some help.

Window Fans (Anthony D., Queens, NY): If you see a window fan in backwards, someone has been smoking. PDP note: Kids will put the window fan in backwards to blow marijuana and other smoke out of the room. They will also blow smoke into intake vents on furnaces in the basement. Also, children will sometimes burn incense or use strong room/air deodorizers to cover up the smell of illicit substances. Ask yourself if your child really needs to use Lysol that often, or hospital grade disinfectant, or all those plug-in air fresheners... Even the best of these tricks won't work if parents are observant and aware. Children shouldn't be smoking or burning anything in the house.

Weapons & Bullying (Ryan McAndrews, Butler, PA): In response to an earlier tip about screwdrivers being carried as makeshift weapons in school, Mr. McAndrews points out that it doesn't necessarily signify gang affiliation or delinquency. The subject child may actually be a victim of bullying or harassing behavior at school and afraid to report it because he/she fears escalation and/or retaliation. Furthermore, it could be the subject child believes carrying a weapon is an alternative to joining a gang to feel safe. Moreover, he/she may believe the school would do little, if anything, if the bullying or harassing behavior were reported. PDP note: Parents and school authorities should investigate the possibility of bullying or harassing behavior whenever a weapon is found. There must be zero tolerance policies in place for weapons as well as bullying/harassment. The founder of the Prevent Delinquency Project commented on this to say in the early 90's, when he was employed in a maximum security prison for youth, staff would conclude whenever a lot of weapons started turning up on the units that meant they weren't doing their jobs, because the residents didn't feel safe. Obviously, even the most secure environment can't prevent all weapons, but that is an important consideration. Many youths who carry weapons are predators who rob, menace and assault others. However, some of them aren't, and do so because they believe it's necessary to defend themselves from an actual and/or perceived threat.

Grand Theft Auto (David R., Pennsylvania): This game and the subsequently released Grand Theft Auto San Andreas give children points for committing violent acts. PDP note: It's worse than that. Players have a choice of weapons including knives, baseball bats, sawed-off shotguns, and machine guns. The "hero" is a criminal, a drug dealing gang-banger, who kills police officers and anyone else who gets in his way. The PDP believes parents should not allow children to play these games at all, in that they glamorize and promote violence, gang affiliation, substance abuse and other negative behaviors.

Screens (Ian Losby, Anchorage, Alaska): Keep an eye on window screens and those in sink faucets, at home and in public places. Kids use them to make homemade pipes. PDP note: We never thought of that. An excellent "red flag" that might indicate your child is involved in substance abuse. Traditional pipe screens, pipes and other drug-related paraphernalia are becoming harder to find locally, as law enforcement targets "head shops." Those children who don't order such items on the Internet, either out of fear of being ripped off or caught, are fabricating their own. Screens are also used in the processing and packaging of marijuana and cocaine, and the making of hashish.

Hollow Books (George Thompson, Los Angeles, CA): Look inside books for marijuana, etc. PDP note: Hollow books have been around a long time, as have soda cans, deodorant, peanut butter, AJAX, etc., containers with secret compartments and/or false bottoms. They were once sold by the national Service Merchandise chain and advertised as "diversion safes." Lately, we have seen stash water bottles sold on the Internet. They have hidden compartments behind the label and either pull or twist apart, depending upon the model. They are often overlooked by parents because the top and bottom sections of the bottle have water in them.

Screwdrivers (Michael M., Bronx, NY): Kids are carrying them in school. PDP note: It is all too common... Screwdrivers, padlocks (to use as brass knuckles), even faucet handles. When they can't get ready-made weapons, thugs will adapt or modify ordinary items. We are surprised to learn this is still occurring in The Bronx, in that most schools there have metal detectors.

Music & Gangs (Anonymous, New Haven, CT): A number of recording artists have reported gang ties including Snoop Dog (Crips), 2 Pac (Crips) and DMX (Bloods). Prevent Delinquency Project ("PDP") note: Start listening carefully to the words in the music your children play - in many cases, it's disturbing. A lot of the "artists" are actively promoting and glamorizing gang membership.

Gang Affiliation (Prevent Delinquency Project, White Plains, NY): The color red, is a known symbol of the Bloods gang, and when a child tends to favor this color and avoids wearing other colors such as blue (which designates the rival Crips gang), it should raise an eyebrow. Gangs not only frequently use the color of clothing to identify members, but also bandannas, beads, sneaker brands and laces, and as of late, sports team logos and designer wear. For example, in certain geographic areas, the Pittsburgh Pirates team designates the Latin Kings, the Philadelphia Phillies the Vice Lords, the Detroit Tigers the Folks, the Chicago Bulls the Bloods, etc. If your child tends to associate exclusively with one group and has lost old friends that is also a "red flag." Continue to investigate further. Besides clothing, look for other gang identifiers such as graffiti, ritualistic behavior, unusual language, tattoos and brands, strange symbols including numbers, letters, and acronyms, hand signs, hand-written literature that he/she carries and reads but hides from others, and bragging. Youth who join gangs do so for a number of reasons including excitement, respect, protection, power, drugs and money. They are proud of their membership and even if sworn to secrecy will often admit it. If you do find any of the additional identifiers take a look at the links on this website related to gangs. There is a lot of information available to you online. Many of the symbols, graffiti, hand signs, etc., can be deciphered if you take the time to "learn the language." Above all, get involved in your child's life. Love and support him/her. Spend time with him/her. Talk to the parents of his/her friends. Speak with his/her teachers. Do not allow him/her to carry weapons, wear gang attire, hang-out in areas frequented by gangs, or associate with known gang members. Address any issues of substance abuse, contact with law enforcement or behavioral problems. It won't be easy, but you can make a difference.