Internet seminar an eye-opener to real-life dangers on the Web
Before investigator Tom Evans came to town for a live Internet demonstration on the prevalence of sexual predators, the Standard urged local residents to attend. After Thursday’s presentation, we can say the opportunity for teens to be bombarded by sexual advances is very real — and very scary.
When Evans entered a chat room and pretended to be a 13-year-old girl, it took mere moments for him to receive steady interest. The comments were crude and sexually laced.
It’s disturbing to think two grown adults who have never even seen one another would communicate in such fashion. It’s even more disturbing considering the pervert on the other end of the keyboard believes he’s talking to a little girl.
From a historical perspective, the Internet is an extremely young animal. This is the first generation to grow up with instant Internet access, and computers in every classroom and virtually every home.
While our children grow accustomed to this technology, we can’t be left on the outside looking in. As parents, it’s our responsibility to monitor children when they’re on the Internet. Remember, even some adults have fallen prey to Internet predators by arranging to meet them in person and being brutally beaten or raped.
The Internet is not a harmless playground.