Predators Online

[gkd_uk]

During our investigation into the vulnerability of youngsters online, we found a number of cases in which teenagers and younger children had been approached by predators on social networking sites.

Keen to understand more about how this works and, by extension, how children might avoid such dangers, a researcher in our office set up a virtual identity of a 14-year-old girl on three social networking sites. She took on the name Jane Brown and this is her diary.

"I've just moved hear wiv my family. Its well scary starting a new skool, hope I make sum mates soon :-S"

Read more

 

[xhan]

I don't know how stupid people think teenagers are but give them some credit. If someone speaks to you like that you block them, simple.

 

[temi]

Well, some teenagers, especially the younger teenagers like 13 years old may not be quite netwise enought yet to know that you just don't chat with someone you do not know who is chating to you about something you are not interested in.

 

[rhyswynne]

"The internet is useful. New York City is useful. You wouldn't let your child loose in New York City either."

Dunno who said it, but it's so apt.

 

[espmartin]

I totally agree with your analogy Rhy...

 

[SkinnerW]

"useful" does not make it "safe".

Even though NYC is way far from what it used to be 20-30 years back.

 

[xhan]

Well, some teenagers, especially the younger teenagers like 13 years old may not be quite netwise enought yet to know that you just don't chat with someone you do not know who is chating to you about something you are not interested in.

When I was 13 that was probably the case - teenagers were naive but their much more mature nowadays.

Its fine to chat to someone. its when they start asking your bra size you go uh no. I've had my fair share of nasty comments/pictures. but lets be honest now, you'd be hard pressed to find a 12 year old who hasn't seen a penis! (at least where I live!)

 

[espmartin]

...you'd be hard pressed to find a 12 year old who hasn't seen a...(at least where I live!)

My teens are being raised very morally. I can tell you that even though some
people in this world don't watch out for the innocence of their kids as they
should - I watch over my kids. And they know better...

 

[gkd_uk]

I agree that some Teenagers are clever but if they all were, there would be software such as Parental control and other safety programs