How many times before kids understand?

The story in this link strikes me and DW personally, as it should all parents (especially those of teenagers). All we can do is constantly stay vigilant and determined to make our daughter understand the dangers that lurk in public and on the Internet. The Internet is even more insidious in my view because of the anonymity that it affords the sick and twisted that reside in the shadow of lies.

I will be giving a copy of this news story to TC's school, as I have many other articles before. It may be all I can do at the moment, but as one who deals in information, I am more than willing to continue mining and contributing to the school's knowledge. I firmly believe that in this scenario, ignorance is not bliss, it is deadly. Ignorance will cost someone (at the least) their innocence and/or (at the most) their life.

So, while our daughter thinks I am an Ogre (with many layers, like onions), and DW not much better, we will NOT apologize for being diligent parents. We will continue to monitor, snoop, read, listen, watch and search whenever we feel a justification or strong need to. I will point out that we have NEVER once been wrong in that regard. We'd rather be hated by a living child than loved from above by a dead one.

And if you think that is melodramatic, talk to Lesley Parrott. In July 1986, 11-year-old track star Alison Parrott was lured to Toronto's Varsity Stadium by someone posing as a photographer. She was raped and murdered. The last known sighting of the girl was by a bank security camera, which caught what is believed to be her legs walking along a sidewalk near the stadium. It was not until 1999 that DNA testing helped convict Francis Carl Roy of the crime.

We can live with the fact that twenty years from now, we may have to go on a Dr. Phil-type show to reconnect to TC. We just will do everything we can to ensure that we have that opportunity and option to do so.

Parents, open the dialogue, talk to you kids. If you are not doing so, someone sick may be taking your place. Think about it.

Peace.

Ottawa Sun: - Boy, 14, lured to hotel