At one time, not so many years ago, it was enough for parents to pay attention to their children's friends. Some, as mom and dad knew, might be nothing but trouble.
Those were the good old days, in a way. Now, it is not enough to keep an eye on friends from school or in the neighborhood. Now, the Internet gives predators an invitation into our homes - and our children's lives.
Last week, sheriff's deputies were called to investigate a report of a missing 12-year-old girl in West Virginia. Near the child's home, they were notified of a suspicious vehicle.
When they got to the car, they found the girl inside with a 33-year-old man from Michigan. A deputy noted "there was sexual activity going on in the vehicle."
The man was arrested and deputies learned he and the girl had made contact through an online game, "World of Warcraft." He planned to take the child back to Michigan.
"People need to be aware that this is something that goes on every day," a deputy remarked of the situation.
Sadly, that is true. Perverted adults use the Internet to victimize children all the time. That means parents must be more vigilant. Do you know where - on the Internet - your child is? If not, find out. Don't let an online predator become your worst nightmare.