Online Pedophiles – Internet NOT a Trustworthy Babysitter
May 7th, 2007 by WaltI just read an article on the Times Online about pedophiles using Skype, and a sting operation run by the Sunday Times.
It is shocking to read about some of the men who took the bait, many professionals, and some even fathers themselves. Do yourself a favor and read the story, it is an eye opener.
Parents, be parents, be interested in what your children are doing online. Remember the “Anti-drug” ads? I remember my parents being very interested in who I went out with and what I did, and not hesitating to offer advice. I may not have fully appreciated all of it back then, but I think it may have saved me from getting into trouble, or worse.
If you want to be your child’s best friend, you must first be their parent. A true “best friend” is someone who cares enough and dares to look out for all your best interests, even if it means being the damp towel on fun. Taking interest in their online activities the same way you should any other activity of theirs is essential to their safety online. Another way to look at is, how do you know they aren’t giving some “friend” your address that will pay the family an unpleasant visit in the middle of the night?
Don’t forget that the Sunday Times’ reporters said it was surprisingly easy to pose as 13 and 14 year old girls. They aren’t even perverts who have gotten that art down pat like actual pedophiles.
Keep in mind that if you find yourself wishing that you were more careful, it will be because it is too late to undo whatever damage that has happened. There will be no second chance to keep your child from being molested once it has happened.
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Please note that I am not using this against Skype or any other similar place online. Pedophiles will try to find ways to get to children anywhere they may be online. That is why you need to constantly monitor their online activities. This includes sites you know and trust, I’m sure the owners/operators would appreciate others being on the lookout for possible problems.
