05.21.09
Reflections of a Young Reader – Reposted from 3-03-09
03.03.09Reflections About A Young Reader
Posted in Resources at 7:24 pm by normarae2008
I received an e-mail from a young reader last night. I’ll protect her confidentiality and not mention her name, but her story is an important one. She’s a teenager, and met a man on the internet who began saying and doing things that made her uncomfortable. While looking for guidance she found my website, and wrote me an email.
I gave her some immediate advice — talk to her parents, inform her school authorities, and contact the police. She also shut down all internet contact with the man, and said she was going to notify the proper authorities about the incident. Her e-mail to me took courage, and her experience is a further sign that we have to be careful in all of our dealings on the internet. We never know who we are communicating with.
Teenagers: you shouldn’t feel ashamed or embarrassed if someone tries to take advantage of you — it’s not your fault. But listen to your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, or sound right, report your experience to your parents, or your clergy, school or police. And pay attention to those school safety assemblies, because they offer up great tips on internet safety and security.
I checked in on my young reader today to see how she’s doing, and to make sure she’s reported her experience to the proper authorities. Thanks to her courageous steps, hopefully she’ll help stop one bad guy from stalking young women.
To all young readers, and to everyone using the internet, be smart users. It’s a wonderful tool, but be mindful of your safety at all times. If you have similar experiences you’d like to share, or if you have questions about this topic, please write to me. Thanks.
