There was a news story a few months ago in this area of a girl who was missing and it was discovered she met some guy on an internet chat room and left home to meet him and he took her off and kept her tied up in his apartment! It's amazing that they found her alive if at all. She was 16 or so.
I urge all parents of teens and kids to watch their kids closely when they are on any discussion boards and chat rooms. There are some really SICK people out there and they love to get on the teen boards and look for ones who are depressed or rebellious. These perverts will pretend to be a teen themselves and befriend them. When you are on the computer you can invent yourself into whatever you want to and kids can be so trusting. It's up to us as parents to protect them! A sick demented individual could write, "I know a guy who could really help you. He understands kids. Come meet him at....... Don't worry, everything will be alright!" It has happened!
Don't let your child or teen give out personal information over the internet. If they want to meet with someone that they have met on the internet, go with them at first to meet them too. If your teen is becoming more reclusive, perferring to talk on the computer than with your family, then start asking questions! His life could be at stake!
My little ones don't read or write yet so this issue hasn't come in my house. I'm trying to set an example to my kids by keeping personal matters and information about myself off these boards. I'm not so sure I would let my little girl get on here. I'M NOT SAYING that any good parent would not let their child post or chat. I just worry about little ones and want to encourage all parents to watch them just as closely on here as you would if they are playing outside. Because this IS a door to the outside.
Please don't think that I am accusing anyone of anything. Just think of this as a reminder to all parents to be careful.
well thought out.
