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 keep them from functioning properly in normal society. Children with mental illnesses are often the victims of these predators, and sometimes children with mental disorders 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 disorders: Not everyone with a mental disorder is a danger to society. In general, predators with mental illnesses are the victims of 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 present a threat to our society, this is a list of the most common potential dangers that wait 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 illness. Treat your child as special, yet avoid treating the child as if he/she is mentally ill, since a lot of mentally ill patients are extremely intelligent. Teach your child the same rules that other children abide by and stick to the rules. Do not leave room for leniency when danger is present. Teach your child respect by showing respect yourself.
Children with dangerous mental illnesses will often want to watch pornography, violent images, content, and so forth. This makes it harder as a parent to defend your child. However, it is important 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 refuses to listen to you, bring the police in and make sure that they do their job to help you enforce the rules. You may pay court fees and go through headaches, but I promise you it will benefit you in the end. As a mother raising two boys with dangerous mental diseases, I can tell you it isn’t simple, but it can be done.
Children with mental illnesses often have brilliant minds that can often get past 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 giving out personal details is restricted and encourage them to ask your permission when considering divulging name, phone number or other details 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 asking them to report any crime 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 vital that you keep talking and listening to your child. Allow your child to express concerns, opinions, ideals, theories et cetera without demeaning the child. You will be amazed at the wisdom 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 more child safety tips for children with mental disorders seek advice from a qualified professional.
Note: 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 web-based resource. Also published at Protecting Children With Mental Health Problems.