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Dateline Tracks Down Sexual Predators It has become increasingly common to find some of America’s major news programs turning towards the topic of the Internet and Sexual Predators. One major show, Dateline, has made headlines because of their focus on using the Internet to hunt down sexual predators. Dateline’s producers want the public to be aware of the dangers lurking on the Internet and the increasing need we have to change the measures we take to protect our children. The show brings home an important concept: sexual predators live in every neighborhood, including yours. The show endeavors to draw attention to the growing concerns many parents have concerning their child’s safety and has also been successful in attracting attention from the government. Dateline officials start out by logging onto the Internet and posing as underage girls and boys. They engage in conversation with the alleged predators until the predator proposes arranging a meeting, usually with the intention of having intercourse, which has generally been discussed. Dateline officials work with local law enforcement agencies to arrest these sexual predators when they arrive at the agreed upon location. The predators arrested on Dateline specials are normally men, but this fact should not lead anyone to believe that women cannot be sexual predators as well. While Dateline has had a few leads towards female predators, those women tended to engage in inappropriate conversation without setting up physical meetings. This does not in any way mean that females are not going to make inappropriate physical contact with our children. They just haven’t been caught yet. Sexual predators reside in neighborhoods all across the country, and Dateline’s show will travel to any town in which they believe a predator will meet them. A predator will travel if he or she believes there is ample opportunity to make sexual contact with a young person. Remember, sexual predators will pursue children of all ages - including young children and teenagers. It is believed that Dateline’s shows targeting sexual predators online have helped to significantly reduce the number of sexual predators looking for their next victim via the Internet. Predators are now cautious and question whether or not the person they are speaking to is actually a child, a Dateline representative, or a law enforcement officer; after all, no one wants their photograph plastered on televisions across the country. Unfortunately, the number of sexual predators lurking online decreasing does not mean that the number of sexual predators in your county has decreased. Be sure to utilize all of the tools made available to you through your local and state governments, including sexual offender databases. Educate your children about proper Internet use and safety on the streets. An educated child is a safer child. If you enjoyed this
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