Spring Break
Sex, lies and chat rooms
The scary reality of a predator
Lauren Collins
Issue date: 2/12/09 Section: Opinion
After watching several episodes of "To Catch a Predator," I have found myself wondering how it is remotely possible that so many men pursue sexual ventures with young girls and boys. Ironically, I reached a point of almost feeling sorry for these men. They show up at this decoy's home, hoping to engage in some sort of meeting with a girl or boy they believe to be under the age of 16. It seemed unfair that these men were pursued online and encouraged to talk about their interests in sex, and then urged to meet the young person outside of a chat session.
The stomachs of many parents turn at the idea of some perverted man having any interest in their sweet children. However, "Dateline" interviewed 500 teens across the country about their online habits. At least 90 percent of male and female teens, ages 14 to 18, admitted to talking to someone, they did not know via the Internet. More than 50 percent of these teens were asked to meet in person. More than 50 percent of teens have had an uncomfortable experience online and told someone about it, yet more than 50 percent of teens have also shared personal information and have discussed information that they would not want their parents to know about.
Perhaps the show's intent is not just to catch perverted predators, but also to inform parents of the risks involved with their children's online behavior. Even if you have parental controls, and stay informed about potential online threats, the risks remain present. The fact remains that the cyber world never guarantees proof of who is actually sitting on the other side of the screen.
Similarly, we cannot assume that people are as safe as they present themselves. Some of the men caught on the show were police officers, soldiers -- even teachers. The realization that members of society who are expected to serve and protect are potential threats to children is a repulsive eye opener.
Some of the viewer comments listed on "Dateline's" Web site say it's a shame that many of these men's lives are ruined. They lose their jobs, their marriages are disrupted and children are embarrassed and ridiculed for their father's behavior.
Talking is not sexual assault, but the intentions are certainly punishable. Because it is safe to assume that predators assault or molest children and teens on a daily basis, the show's use of setting up a decoy to punish these predators seems moderately fair.
Out of my own curiosity, I searched a database for sexual predators in my own area. Approximately 37 listed sexual predators live within three miles of my current residence.
The Web site gives addresses, pictures and a list of the offenders' charges. Over 40 sexual predators live within five miles of the ECU campus. The numbers are astounding, and the information is available to the public at the click of a button.
For more information regarding the sexual predators near you, visit ncfindoffender.com/search.aspx.
Additional information can be provided about "To Catch a Predator" at msnbc.msn.com.
This writer can be contacted at opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.
The stomachs of many parents turn at the idea of some perverted man having any interest in their sweet children. However, "Dateline" interviewed 500 teens across the country about their online habits. At least 90 percent of male and female teens, ages 14 to 18, admitted to talking to someone, they did not know via the Internet. More than 50 percent of these teens were asked to meet in person. More than 50 percent of teens have had an uncomfortable experience online and told someone about it, yet more than 50 percent of teens have also shared personal information and have discussed information that they would not want their parents to know about.
Perhaps the show's intent is not just to catch perverted predators, but also to inform parents of the risks involved with their children's online behavior. Even if you have parental controls, and stay informed about potential online threats, the risks remain present. The fact remains that the cyber world never guarantees proof of who is actually sitting on the other side of the screen.
Similarly, we cannot assume that people are as safe as they present themselves. Some of the men caught on the show were police officers, soldiers -- even teachers. The realization that members of society who are expected to serve and protect are potential threats to children is a repulsive eye opener.
Some of the viewer comments listed on "Dateline's" Web site say it's a shame that many of these men's lives are ruined. They lose their jobs, their marriages are disrupted and children are embarrassed and ridiculed for their father's behavior.
Talking is not sexual assault, but the intentions are certainly punishable. Because it is safe to assume that predators assault or molest children and teens on a daily basis, the show's use of setting up a decoy to punish these predators seems moderately fair.
Out of my own curiosity, I searched a database for sexual predators in my own area. Approximately 37 listed sexual predators live within three miles of my current residence.
The Web site gives addresses, pictures and a list of the offenders' charges. Over 40 sexual predators live within five miles of the ECU campus. The numbers are astounding, and the information is available to the public at the click of a button.
For more information regarding the sexual predators near you, visit ncfindoffender.com/search.aspx.
Additional information can be provided about "To Catch a Predator" at msnbc.msn.com.
This writer can be contacted at opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
jt
posted 2/12/09 @ 12:47 PM EST
Contrary to this article, it's not always men doing the preying. There are some women online having inappropriate conversations and encounters as well. (Continued…)
mmm
posted 2/12/09 @ 2:44 PM EST
Go check out "bro rape" on youtube... its a hilarious mockumentary of "How to Catch a Predator" and is strangely...well, accurate. :)
Locke
posted 2/15/09 @ 9:27 PM EST
What is the opinion expressed in this column? Sexual predators are bad people and should be guarded against? Controversial position!
khanh
posted 2/21/09 @ 11:30 AM EST
hi
Post a Comment