Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of all ages! Listen closely for I have something important to tell you all, concerning concerns that have been brought up recently. Read through it, it won't take too long. Please know that I will not just list precautions, I explain why those precautions exist, so if you are under 13 years or age it is a good idea to have a parent read this with you.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
Question: Are there pedophiles (otherwise known as child predators) on the internet? <o:p></o:p>
Answer: Yes. <o:p></o:p>
Question: Even here?<o:p></o:p>
Answer: Maybe. <o:p></o:p>
Question: Why aren't you freaking out?<o:p></o:p>
Answer: Listen carefully. There are and always have been predators. This is why your photos get deleted when you upload them, and why you have screen names instead of using your real name on the internet. Now, you SHOULD NOT freak out and start hating or fearing everyone over 18 who joins this site. <o:p></o:p>
Question: Why not?<o:p></o:p>
Answer: First of all, predators can be any age. I grew up in a neighborhood where two grade-school girls kidnapped a little boy and dressed him up like a baby. It almost sounds innocent, but those elementary students held someone against that person's will and forced that person to dress and undress as they wanted. <o:p></o:p>
There are predators at ALL ages and all genders. However, you can't freak out and not trust anyone because that’s no way to live. You just need to know how to keep yourself safe.<o:p></o:p>
Question: So... what should we do?<o:p></o:p>
Answer: First of all, you should follow a few basic rules if you're under 18. Here they are: <o:p></o:p>
1. Never give your name to anyone. If you want people to call you something other than your screen name then you should tell them a nickname. (For example, my name is listed here as Eve, but that's not my name. It's a short version of my name, and does not include my middle or last name.) <o:p></o:p>
Why? Because some people are crazy, and if they have a name to attach to your online identity they feel much closer and might single you out as someone willing to trust them. So really, just nicknames and NEVER EVER tell anyone your last name.<o:p></o:p>
2. Never EVER give out your phone number. Why? Well, anyone can get your address from your phone number. Do not post your number ANYWHERE. No name, phone number, address, or school. If you talk about stores near you, speak only about chain stores.<o:p></o:p>
Let me tell you why. If you post your number somewhere, it can and will be seen by anyone- even invisible hackers lurking around. Predators can talk to people and develop a relationship in their minds, meaning they start to believe they know you in real life. They'll remember any details you give them. If you only tell them what state you live in you're pretty safe, but no one online should need to know what school you go to, your street address, or even your city. <o:p></o:p>
3. No pictures. Ever. For the same reason as above. If you want to put a picture up, and your parents say it is okay, then only a headshot and use it as your User Icon (otherwise known as your Profile Picture) instead of posting it everywhere on your profile and in your gallery. If someone asks for your picture, always tell them NO, and report them.<o:p></o:p>
4. Do not meet people you only know online. Trust me. Predators can stalk hundreds of victims at a time so they're fine with spending a few years getting to earn your trust. Even if they show you pictures- which could be of friends' kids, past victims, their own family, or just random pics stolen off the internet- even if you call them (though that'd break rule number 1), do not trust them. You can often trust site owners of child-safe sites, but be extremely cautious. Child-safe sites will not ask you for personal information such as your name, school, phone number, address, or picture. <o:p></o:p>
If you win one of my contests I sometimes have physical prized that need to be shipped. I'll ask for an address, but I do not want your address. I want you to find any address where I can send the prize and it can be delivered to you by someone you trust. A teacher, grandparent, P.O. Box, office building, or even a police station willing to cooperate.<o:p></o:p>
5: If you ever do want to meet someone you met on the internet, then you must have an adult with you. And I mean a legal guardian or parent, not older sibling. Do not think that you can just meet in a public place and be safe. Most parents are not going to embarrass you while you meet your friends, they've got their own lives after all, and most friends totally understand how parents can be. Never meet someone you met online alone. And if they tell you not to have your parents with you, report them immediately.<o:p></o:p>
That's it. 5 rules. If you're in a chat room and you see someone break these rules, warn them, and if they do not listen then report them. I'd much rather they get banned instead of attacked. I had a friend once who subconsciously (meaning she wasn't fully aware of it all the time) had the desire to be a victim. She loved drama ad I'm telling you now that it's 100% not worth it.<o:p></o:p>
It's not what you think it'll be like, it's not something you can just brush off, it's not going to get you treated the way you think it will, it will just hurt you and after a few month you'll have everyone telling you to get over it, though most likely you will be too ashamed to tell anyone. Your entire world will become terrifying and you'll never be able to get close to people the same way again. So be safe!<o:p></o:p>
Statement/question: Yeah, but I'm not afraid!<o:p></o:p>
Answer: Good for you... except the predators are still there and by breaking the rules you're telling them to come here and see who else will break the rules. So you're creating victims.<o:p></o:p>
Annoying question: Why should we listen to you?<o:p></o:p>
Answer: Why should you listen to me? Because some very bad things happened to me while I was growing up. Even when I reached my tween years and thought I was strong enough to never let it happen again. Now as an adult, I've vowed to do everything in my power to make sure that what happened to me never happens to any kid under my protection. When you're on this site, I consider you under my protection as far as this site goes and hopefully you'll take my advice with you to your real life and to other sites. <o:p></o:p>
And really, you don't have to listen to me. Read through this with your parents and ask what they think is right.<o:p></o:p>
Be safe, play nice, have fun.<o:p></o:p>
-Eve<o:p></o:p>
Moderator<o:p></o:p>
DrawingNow.com<o:p></o:p>
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