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 problems that prevent them from behaving properly in normal society. Children with mental illnesses are often the victims of these predators, and sometimes children with mental illnesses are the predators themselves. In fact, the distributor of one of the most serious viruses online came from an eighteen-year old from England.
Dangers mental illnesses: Not everyone with a mental illness is a danger to society. Generally, predators with mental disorders 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 disorders 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 the 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 harder as a parent to defend your child. However, it is important that you enforce the rules. Never put yourself in danger while enforcing these rules, since some children with serious problems may cause you harm.
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 disorders often have brilliant minds that can often get round any parental controls and will do so without you even knowing. Take extra time than normal to monitor your child’s behaviour online. Teach your child that divulging personal information is dangerous and encourage them to request your permission when thinking about giving name, phone number or other details online.
Allow your child to take some responsibility for himself and always encourage your child to join in family discussions that involve them. Furthermore, encourage the child to be safety conscious by telling them to report any crime committed against them.
One of the hardest things you’ll ever have to do while raising a child with mental health issues is encouraging him/her to avoid violent images and pornography. It is next to impossible to keep them clear of this trash. However, it can be done, if you set a good example for the child to follow.
It is vital 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 some mental illnesses have, if you will only listen to them.
The best advice I can give you for dealing with children with major mental disorders, such as psychopathy, is to seek help and stand firm. For additional child safety advice for children with mental disorders seek advice from a qualified counsellor.
Note: Children learn what they see and hear.
If you are concerned about protecting children with mental health disorders or Child Safety in general, just pop along to our website. Unique version for reprint here: Protecting Children With Mental Disorders.