Sikh Parents Warned over dangers from Internet perverts
As we sit down comfortably after a hard day’s work to our favourite television program, we rest assured that our children are safe in their rooms – but how safe are they?
A study by the Sikh Awareness Society (SAS) has shown that Sikh parents are often less informed of the dangers posed by the Internet. In a survey of over 150 Sikh parents in the age group 40+ it was revealed that 80% are unaware of the dangers of online predators, chatrooms and networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook and others. Manjit Kaur, a counsellor from SAS, says,
“Most Parents whose first language is Panjabi are often ill-informed of these dangers – simply because it is not highlighted enough in Gurdwara Sahibs and by Panjabi Media”
“We should promote greater awareness classes in all Gurdwaras and give practical awareness classes in Panjabi”
Last year a teenage Sikh girl was duped into meeting a 29-year-old man.
The man had introduced himself as a 17-year-old ‘Panjabi boy’ named ‘Jags’ when they first began swapping messages on an Internet site.
Manjit Kaur spoke to the 15-year-old girl about her frightening experience that began when she met someone on the Internet.
“I thought the boy I was meeting every night on the Internet was 17-years-old.”
"After a few weeks we started talking on the phone, nearly every night for hours," said the girl.
Eventually she agreed to meet him,
“He said he would send a taxi to pick me up and that I could stay with him in his hotel room.”
It turned out the taxi driver was ‘Jags’; real name Shazad from
The Home Office has warned that up to one in five children could be in danger from these Internet abusers.
Paedophiles are regularly using Internet chat rooms to lure vulnerable children as young as 13, according to the disturbing report.
Manjit Kaur is working with the SAS Victim Rehabilitation Program, she adds,
“It is disappointing to see that the Sikh community at large is still unaware about these problems”
Warning signs
How can you tell that your child may be a victim (or is being preyed upon) by an online predator? If you have experienced any of the following, you have reason for concern.
- Spending long hours online (especially in the evening)
- Phone calls/text messages from people you don't know
- Unsolicited gifts
- Child turns off the computer when you enter the room
- Withdrawal from family activities
- Reluctance to discuss Internet activities
If you are affected by the issues discussed. please Contact info@sikhhelpline.com
Please note: This topic will be covered in detail during the Weekend workshop 5th and 6th July 2008 @ Guru Nanak Gurdwara
