Surry Investigations

Most of the readers of my blog and many of my clients know how passionate I am about helping children avoid becoming a victim to child predation. Many parents don't realize how vulnerable their children are, but maybe some of the information in the Polly Klaas poll from 2005 will help open some eyes.

Here are some numbers (remember this is from 2005 and the numbers are sure to have skyrocketed by now):

• 87 % of 12-17 year olds use the internet
• more than half of those create web pages and blogs with personal information
• 42% post information for others to contact them
  
• 33% of girls say they've been asked about sexual topics
• more than half have been asked personal information, 10% at least once a day
• 27% have talked about sex online with strangers
• 8-12 year olds report risky behavior too, but in smaller numbers
• A alarming 12% learned they were talking to an adult pretending to be younger

Internet use has steadily risen since 2005 for youth and adults. Electronic gadgets come more and more internet ready while social networking sites increase in popularity.

Note: Be sure to see how you can help with the Polly Klaas Foundation.

This is just a quick update to announce that I’m going to be sending out mailings to various schools in the area regarding safe Internet use. I hope to obtain lists of students from these schools so that I can send their families this information, also. The purpose of this mailing is not to advertise my services, but rather to alert families to the importance of safe Internet use.

I tell you this to make you aware that I won’t be posting much this month. I’m going to be working hard on these mailings, so I hope to talk to you again in May!