Protecting Kids from Internet Predators

Something unusual happened last week in the New York State Legislature. A bill was introduced with immediate bipartisan support.

The bill was introduced in a special press conference with Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, Speaker of the Assembly Sheldon Silver, and other legislators. The Governor was noticeably absent. The bill is being introduced in both Houses of the Legislature at the request of the Attorney General.

The bill is designed to protect children from internet predators by banning convicted sex offenders from popular social websites. It will further strengthen Megan’s Law that created New York’s registry of convicted sex offenders. It is called e-STOP, or Electronic Security and Targeting of Online Predators.

It appears to be a good proposal, and it may help solve a severe problem. The Albany Times Union newspaper reported that a 2005 study in New Hampshire found that 1 out of 7 children had been sexually solicited online, either by adults or other teens. With the backing of both Senator Bruno and Speaker Silver, the bill is certain to pass, and I hope, will be signed by the Governor.

This bill is a good thing, but it is not the best way to protect your children from internet predators. The best way to do that is be the PARENT and PROTECTOR of your children – monitor their online activity.