slap of reality

[kater]

wow. just wow.

i just finished reading and responding to a post in a 'tween group here on cafemom. i will not post the link. i'm not here to drag anyone through the mud. just to get a word of caution out into the ears of moms who *should* know better. and if they read my response, i hope they will not take offense, but quietly tuck my words into a corner of their hearts and remember them. the world doesn't need any more missing or abused children.

the original poster was asking for penpals for her ten year old daughter. and there were six replies. i was number seven:

"i'm sure that one or more of these responses, in addition to the OP, is a genuine request, but just look how fast you all responded with a "yes, i will give you my daughter's personal information and house address." i am relieved to see that no one actually posted an address in a public access forum, but even sending through a personal email is dangerous. none of you know any of these women personally, and yet you put yourselves and your family in danger by handing out addresses. i'm sure that has something major to do with why the penpal group never got off the ground.

any of you seen "to catch a predator?" all those dirty bastard men were either lying about their age or were pretending to be girls to meet with minors.

while i would love to set my kids up with penpals, i would never consider giving out my address here. your safest and best bet would be to contact your local girl scout council, church, or a teacher and see if they have a penpal program set up through safe channels.

just wow."

i've called people on the carpet before about their blatant lies on this site and was told by a very small number that "online is a place to get away from reality. we don't have to tell the truth here." well, neither do the predators.

[MomOfTwo1978]

Feb. 20, 2008 at 12:54 PM Good post!

[momoftwo65807]

Feb. 20, 2008 at 12:55 PM Well said.  especially at the end.  There isn't a predator out there that is going to tell the truth.

[Abomnablesnogrl]

Feb. 20, 2008 at 1:10 PM applause applause applause....

[laurancela7]

Feb. 20, 2008 at 1:16 PM We use a P.O. box for our pen pals.

[paganpinup]

Feb. 20, 2008 at 2:24 PM I started one of the penpal groups and it failed miserably. As nice as the general idea of a penpal group is...its not safe. There is no way to make it safe.Thank you for posting this. Many of the general groups have threads asking for penpals, hopefully this will make people stop and think.

[bellaamore25]

Feb. 20, 2008 at 2:55 PM that is inda scary when you think of it

[meme_blue_eyes]

Feb. 20, 2008 at 3:22 PM I support your response 100%. I still believe in "better safe than sorry", especially when it comes to our children!

[calliemist]

Feb. 20, 2008 at 4:17 PM Good post honey.

[Imogen13]

Feb. 20, 2008 at 6:58 PM

I totally agree. I'm very cautious about any information I give out on this or any site.

Oh, and I've seen To Watch A Predator many times...It's a warning to all parents.

I'm voting you popular and putting you on the hot list. More people should be aware of the dangers of online.

[sweet.feet]

Feb. 21, 2008 at 8:46 PM What a great mom you are.