this is a definate possibility, just one more reason to supervise your children rather than letting something or someone else supervise them!

Thanks Krupa...you KNOW I keep an eye out for my lil munchkin...she still asks about that "tall, skinny guy with the long hair who came over that time"...!

The only question I have is why would an adult want to play on a game site clearly geared for children under 10? When my neice's father checked the history, the guy was promising to teach her to "get to level 10" on the game...I've looked at the game..it's about as boring as watching paint dry...to an ADULT. I still think it's a lil creepy...it's one thing to play a game with kids in real life...hell, I play "Candyland" & "Chutes & Ladders" with her...but online & with a stranger? Something don't quite add up in my brain.

sounds creepy to me too

No, an 41 yr. old on a kids site is weirdness.
No internet access for 7yr olds.

First of all my 7 year old would not have access to the net without my supervision and by supervision let me make myself clear..DO NOT US THE COMPUTER AS A BABYSITTER.... sit with them... make sure they are safe... JMHO

I agree to a point with your statement, Missy...but what about when they are at their friend's house...or when they are supposed to be "doing their homework", etc...the only way a child is gonna be 100% supervised if if she is sitting on your lap...& that's not realistic...especially if you have multiple children...my sis has five...

The reason my neice was caught in the first place was because she asked her mother how old a person would be if they were born in 1967...41. You know how kids can ask weird questions out of the blue...but my sis was on alert immediately. When she asked her daughter what she was looking at, the kid held the laptop up to her chest & then tried to delete herself. BTW, she was sitting next to her father. This was a CHILDREN'S game site...there are no pix or birthdates, just cute lil bunnies or whatever... I'm assuming that the only way to totally protect your child...of ANY age, is not to allow them on any site...at any time.

My big brother has a kid and I've heard him say to the kid, that internet is the same as city central.

He doesn't go there alone.

Edit. And I absolutely agree. If you don't know where your kid is, then there is something wrong.

Dang....I think I am the Devil's advocate here...

And you know that I apprecieate (M)...She is a sweety!

But, these programs are not written, coordinated or programed by other 7 year olds honey. They are implemented by people our age.

I just don't see where some one did any thing wrong....I do understand you being freaked the hell out though babe.

I know I would be. However, we cannot assign blame where there is none.

I know Krupa...& since there was no sign of any real wrongdoing, her father did not report the guy to the FBI or anything... I'm not the leader of the hangin' squad...but you know that I'm as new to the Net as you are... I just find it odd that an adult would play with children in this manner. We have all heard stories & news reports on how predators "groom" children...I'd just like some more info on how to protect my neice... Like I said, Lil M is indefinitely banned from the computer...is there anything else that can be done? I guess not.

What ever you do is gonna be the right thing Pique...Got nothing but faith in you babe. M is in good hands.

The keys to guardianship are heavy. I've been there, got caught up in fights against real life sickos, and their whole interconnected rings of kiddie porn and drugs and childcare centers and other stuff. Girls in the case ranged from 7 to 10.
Never ever trust appearances.
Watch your friends closer than enemies, because that was the unguarded entryway, to our regret.

Phuque, I wasen't jumping on anyone a while ago, I apologize if you took it that way. I love kids with all my heart and soul. I just wish people would spend a little more time protecting them before they get hurt, instead of repairing them after!

Play with her on the computer.
Teach her what should and should not be said to the strangers on the internet.

Besides, banning her from the computer indefinetly is the same as grounding her without release date. She will go out, some way or another. It's the parents job to teach their child how to protect themselves when their parents aren't there for them.

No offense at all taken, Marty...& I agree with you. It just sux that we have to wrap them in "bubble wrap" these days...does this mean that virtual isolation is the only way to keep them safe?

And Scoundrel...from what you've intimated, it sounds like you have been through a devastating ordeal! My heart goes out to you...

Unfortunatly there are millions if not billions of reasons to be afraid for our kids. Be glad your neice has some one who actually cares and has access to her. There are many children in the world who are suffering at the hands of there caregivers and no one is able to reach them! I wish you well. Peace and love

I also hope no one took my post earlier as though i'm jumping on anyone. If something doesnt feel right, you should trust your gut, especially when it comes to your children.

but...
As i said before, perhaps i'm naive.
I like to think people to be at heart good unless proven otherwise, while taking common sense precautions.

I probably would have disallowed my child from talking to the guy unless i am around. I would monitor the conversations, and make sure that he kept in line... and hope that he was just a regular guy who loves children who perhaps lost a child of his own. I would have taken it as good signs that he didnt lie about his age, he hadnt made the conversation sexual as yet, and that he seemed to be trying to be helpful.
If at some point he made even the slightest of advances i would end all contact, and perhaps report the guy since i now have the evidence that he's a predator and would wish to protect others from him also.

I'm just 19 and am childless, so i guess i don't know any better and will learn to be a little less optimistic about the human nature as i gain more wisdom and age.

Btw i dont know the child but i sincerely hope she stays safe .