One of these days parents are going to realize that they really need to pay more attention to what their children are doing online. Two days ago, WXYZ Channel 7 News in Michigan did a new story on Myspace. The site that is meant to put teenagers and young adults in touch with others across the country with the same interests as them found that there are registered sex offenders with accounts who are in contact with children.
You can read the entire story here but here are some quotes that I found to be very interesting and that should be eye openers for you parents.
“A website meant for teens and young adults to make friends is being invaded by sex offenders?possible predators with easy access to your kids.”
“Users can add “friends” to their MySpace page, but do they know who those friends really are? Are they sex offenders?”
“The Action News Investigators discovered a total of 72 sex offenders in southeast Michigan who have profiles on MySpace.”
“In addition to the 72 definite matches, they found 28 possible matches; people on MySpace who are most likely sex offenders, but it couldn?t be verified.”
“Ronald Deruyscher?s grandmother confirms that it is his picture on his MySpace profile page.
The 19-year-old from Washington Township was convicted of 4th degree criminal sexual conduct. According to the Michigan Department of Corrections, Deryscher is not supposed to have contact with minors unless it?s approved by his probation officer.”
“26-year-old Shane Miller is on the registry for 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct with someone age 13 to 15. Part of his parole conditions include not owning a computer, but the Investigators found his MySpace profile online.”
“24-year-old Jamal Stewart was convicted of 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct with someone 13 or younger. The Southfield man?s MySpace page has some pretty provocative pictures on it and most of his friends are girls.”
Now we all know that kids are going to hide as much information from their parents as possible, but it is just sickening to know that convicted sex offenders are putting up profiles on MySpace and could be having conversations with your children.
Let this be a big warning to all you parents out there that allow their children to play on the internet without your supervision. I hope you will watch your children more closely.
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