Who are the predators? Predators are Cyber Stalkers, serial killers/rapists, rapists, paedophiles, women beaters, child abusers, thieves and so on. Predators often have mental illnesses that prevent them from behaving correctly in normal society. Children with mental disorders are often the prey of these predators, and sometimes children with mental illnesses are the predators themselves. In fact, the distributor of one of the most dangerous viruses online came from an eighteen-year old from England.
Dangers mental illnesses: Not everyone with a mental illness is a threat to society. Generally, predators with mental illnesses are plagued with sociopathic, psychopathic and anti-social disorders, oppositional defiance, conduct control disorders, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorders (BPD), and psychosis. While there are a few other mental illnesses that pose threats to our society, this is a list of the most common potential dangers that lurk on the streets and on the Internet.
How to save a child with mental disorders from dangers : Never treat your child as if he/she has a mental disorder. Treat your child as special, yet avoid treating the child as if he/she is mentally ill, because many mentally ill patients are extremely intelligent. Teach your child the same rules that other children have to live by and stick to those rules. Do not leave room for doubt when danger is present. Teach your child respect by showing respect yourself.
Children with dangerous mental disorders will often want to watch pornography, violent images, content, et cetera. This makes it difficult as a parent to protect your child. However, it is vital that you lay down the rules. Never put yourself in danger while enforcing these rules, since some children with serious problems can be violent.
If the child won’t listen to you, bring in the police and make sure that they do their job to help you enforce the rules. You may have to pay court fees and go through all sorts of rigmarole, but I can promise you that it will benefit you in the end. As a mother who has raised two boys with dangerous mental problems, I can tell you it isn’t easy but it can be done.
Children with mental illnesses often have brilliant minds that can usually get past any parental controls and will do so without you even knowing. Take extra time than normal to monitor your child’s activity online. Teach your child that divulging personal details is restricted and encourage them to ask your permission when considering giving name, phone number, or other information online.
Allow your child to take some responsibility and always encourage your child to participate in family discussions that involve them. Furthermore, encourage the child to be safety conscious by telling them to report any misdemeanour committed against them.
One of the most difficult things you’ll ever have to do while raising a child with mental health issues is teaching him/her to stay away from violent images and pornography. It is next to impossible to keep them clear of this trash. Still, it can be done if you set a good example for the child to follow.
It is important that you keep talking and listening to your child. Allow your child to express concerns, opinions, ideals, theories and so forth without demeaning the child. You will be amazed at the knowledge children with certain mental disorders have, if you will only listen to them.
The best advice I can give you for dealing with children with major mental illnesses, such as psychopathy, is to seek help and stand firm. For additional child safety tips for children with mental disorders seek advice from a qualified counsellor.
Note Well: Children learn what they see and hear.
If you are worried about protecting children with mental health disorders or Child Safety in general, please visit our website. Also published at Protecting Children With Mental Disorders.