redhotz's Blog

Once again, I feel it is time for parents to be more proactive in what their children are doing. 

I have been keeping watch on the story of Brooke Bennett.  She is the 12 y/o whose body was just found after missing for several days.  This is yet another tragedy that shouldn't have happened.  There are so many things gone wrong in this poor girls situation.  The one thing I would like to know is this...You have to be (I believe) 14 to get a myspace site.  This girl was 12, and had a site.  So, my question is this...did she fake her age or did someone do it for her? 

I've also read with much interest about a 23 y/o facing rape charges against him.  The charges stem from a 12 and 15 y/o girl who claim had different types of relationships with him.  Long story short, they met him at a skating rink.  (I know, what was a 23 y/o doing at a skating rink) So, they give him their cell numbers, and ask for his, which he reciprocates.  (which he shouldn't have done)  At one point, the 12 y/o begins texting this man.  Getting to my point, yes, a 23 y/o man should know better, he claims he didn't know her age until he was questioned by law enforcement.  And he also claims he was under the influence of alcohol.  Even at that, any 23 y/o adult would know better than to do anything with someone who is under legal age.  I'm guessing that this 12 y/o could not look under 18. 

So, I have several points to my post.  First, this man is going to face charges, and more than likely go to jail over this.  I'm sure my opinion will cause great rebuttals, but I'm putting it out there.  If these girls initiated the contact, even though this man utilized poor judgement, what repercussions will they face?  None most likely, while he will face jail time.  I don't disagree that he will face time.  He should have been smarter.  However, had the parents been checking their phones, known where their child/children were, would this have happened to their child? 

It is my firm belief that if you allow your child a myspace site, a cell phone, e mail, etc. that you should be well informed of everything that is going on within that technology.  At our home, if you are afforded those priveleges, mom and dad have total access to them all.  Everything that requires a password, mom and dad have the password.  You change the password and mom and dad can't access it, you lose it.  It's time for parents to take more interest in their childrens whereabouts.  I pick up my childrens cell phones and read their text messages.  I read their e mail, and look at their myspace sites.  I am even on their friends list.  If they don't like that, then what are they hiding?  And you know what?  They have not once complained.  Why?  Because they know we are caring parents that are taking an interest in their lives, and they know we want what is best for them.  We have their best interest in mind.

These stories don't necessarily have alot in common, but they do in that it reminds us to be mindful of where our children are, what they are doing, and who they are doing it with.  I pray that Brookes biological father can find some healing in this situation.  From what I can take away from the reporting, her mother wasn't exactly taking the best of precautions to ensure her daughters safety.  So sad her father had to find out this way.

I appreciate constructive comments and replies.  I do not delete comments unless they are rude, vulgar and ridiculous.  I welcome constructive feedback.  And I wish one and all a happy and safe 4th of July holiday.