Bill in Congress - HR 780

2-27-2009 National:

Student Internet Safety Act of 2009

Sponsor: Rep Putnam, Adam H. [FL-12]
Introduced 1/28/2009 HR 780

The stated intent of the bill is: To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to promote the safe use of the Internet by students, and for other purposes.

Comment: ".. and for other purposes." I think that should say ".. and for other purposes DIRECTLY related to this bill's intent." That would stop the wide open "lets change the rest of the world nonsense." With that said,


The bill's purpose indicates:

(a) Enhancing Education Through Technology- Section 2416(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6766(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

`(11) Developing and implementing programs that promote the safe use of the Internet by students, such as programs that--

`(A) educate students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with individuals on social networking Web sites and in chat rooms;

`(B) protect students against online predators, cyberbullying, or unwanted exposure to inappropriate material; or

`(C) promote involvement by parents in the use of the Internet by their children.'.

`(D) educate students about misstating their age (lieing) on social networking Web sites and in chat rooms;

Notice I added "(D)" I did so for one specific purpose, there are hundreds of young men, and maybe women too I just haven't heard of any, that begin conversations with young girls on social networking sites and later find out the girl lied about her age, often violating the social networking site rules as well.

Frequently it is too late, they have already been discussing sex, and maybe meeting and having sex as well, and doing so with someone underage, is a crime. The next thing that happens is the girl's parents are reporting this to police (See recent comment I received on this below) and we have a new "sexual predator" (label given the young man by society) registering for the rest of his life.

Courts prosecute these young men without a care that they have been lied to. Actually prosecutors have too much discretion in these types of cases, and prosecutors are more focused on convictions than doing what is right for those involved in this type of case.

Finally, I also think there needs to be some kind of penalty for the girl (or guy as may be the case) that lied about their age, enticing someone else into a ILLEGAL conversation or other acts. I just don't know what the punishment should be or how to frame such for lawmakers. Raising the issue should spark lawmakers' minds, hopefully.


Accordingly, I am SUPPORTING this bill. However, I sure would love to see an amendment as I suggested above. I strongly suggest that everyone contact their folks in Washington and have this same discussion with them. Society would be better off with youths paying taxes rather than sitting in jails, homeless and unemployed which is caused by today's registries. Remember, nothing will change unless folks contact their people in Washington!

Thanks,
eAdvocate

COMMENT RECENTLY RECEIVED FROM A PARENT ON THIS TOPIC:

I am a parent of a teenager who two weeks after his high school graduation he was turned in by his girlfriends parents. We taught our children to always be honest and because of his honesty he is now a labeled sex offender, has been incarcerated for 17 months and will wear the GPS system. I do not condone their sexual relationship but our hands were tied. We strongly believe in this law BUT we need to add amendments and have mitigating circumstances. If you can please advise us on who we can contact to help us we would appreciate your suggestion. We have sent letters to the Governor, DOJ, Senators and Congressmen. They are not responding to us. We live in ______________. Thank you for listening to me.

Note:

Note: To see all bills concerning sex offenders or their familes currently in Congress simply click here. At the present time I do not review sex offender bills concerning Immigration or Appropriations, they get very involved and are time consuming.

Note: Full bill text WILL NOT be included in this blog because as time goes on bills are amended by Congressional Committees and also on the floor of either house, and it is too easy to confuse folks who may not realize that. Further, links to the bill in Congress will be provided so folks can always see the latest version of the bill.