OH- 'To Catch a Predator' host coming to Canton

9-21-2008 Ohio:

Editor's note: ''Dateline NBC''s Chris Hansen is known for grilling Internet predators on his show, "To Catch a Predator." This article was written in the spirit of the show.

PLAIN TWP. Chris, take a seat right over there.

I'm a reporter with The Repository, and we are doing a story on your visit to Stark County.

Why will you be here?

Is it to discuss your ''Dateline NBC'' specials "To Catch a Predator" and Internet safety?

We have the press release right here.

It says Chris Hansen will be a guest of the 2008 Women's Board Care Connection program — a free event at 7 p.m. Thursday at First Christian Church in Plain Township.

Chris, you're not coming alone, are you?

The release says Massillon police detective Bobby Grizzard also will share his experiences with Internet crimes.

Is it your intent to educate parents about the dangers their children face online?

(Hansen) "The best defense is what you teach your kids at home."

You said parents should limit the time their children spend online so they have less time to loiter in areas they could get into trouble.

But don't take away computer use, right?

You said children are less likely to tell their parents they've been approached online by a stranger if they feel they'll lose computer privileges.

(Hansen) "If you don't know that person in person, you don't know him."

Is that what you told your two teenage sons?

Yes?

(Hansen) "People online want to trick you, and if you don't know them in person, you shouldn't be talking to them online."

You said parents should be aware that if their child gets a Web camera or cell phone delivered to them, these are danger signs. That a stranger wants to befriend them.

(Hansen) "They start relationships that way."

Chris, your relationship to viewers began with a camera.

You said, "To Catch a Predator" began as a compelling way to tell about efforts of an Internet watch group, Perverted Justice.

It turned into much more, didn't it?

(Hansen) "I think we knew anecdotally kids were propositioned on the Internet. But we didn't have a handle on how frequently it was going on.

"We were pretty blown away by not only how many people came, but who came. We had guys from all walks of life."

You said the program evolved to include police because it became clear these guys got away with their actions.

A parallel investigation with police, Perverted Justice and NBC began in California.

And 12 investigations later, you've written a book, "To Catch a Predator: Protecting Kids from Online Enemies Already in Your Home."

(Hansen) "I think, at the end of the day, (the shows) raised awareness and created a dialogue that didn't exist before."

That dialogue continues this week.

Seating is limited to this free presentation, so tickets are required.

Call (330) 363-6402 or register online at www.aultman.org.

The Women's Board of Aultman Hospital is sponsoring the one-night event.

HANSEN LIVE

WHAT "To Catch a Predator" host Chris Hansen discusses Internet safety

WHEN Thursday, 7 p.m.

WHERE First Christian Church at 6900 Market Ave. N in Plain Township

WHAT ELSE Massillon police detective Bobby Grizzard, who specializes in Internet sex crimes, will share his thoughts.

CONTACT For a free ticket call (330) 363-6402. A ticket is required.

TEEN SPEAK

Teenagers use abbreviations to communicate online. Here are some of their words:

LOL — Laughing Out Loud

PM — Private Message

ASL — Age, Sex, Location

POS — Parent Over Shoulder

PIR — Parent In Room

S2R — Send To Receive (photo)

LMIRL — Let's Meet In Real Life

TTYL — Talk To You Later

Source: The Women's Board of Aultman Hospital ..News Source.. by BENJAMIN DUER