How safe are your children?

3-16-2009 National:

A recent article about the murder of a young teen by a sex offender has many parents wondering about the systems put into place that supposedly keeps better track of offenders when they're on probation or released from prison.

Drivers use GPS monitoring to get to their destination, cell phone users have GPS services on their phones and GPS watches are being used by hikers to send out an alert if they should get lost, allowing the GPS tracking device to provide authorities of their precise location. Even GPS locators for children are available so that they will be easily traced if they should somehow walk out of visible range from their parents.

What these GPS devices don't do is prevent humans from misbehaving, getting into trouble, or - more importantly - stop offenders from attacking new victims. They provide authorities with a false sense of security and in turn, we as citizens are led to believe that we are that much safer because of this technology.

The article published by CNN earlier this week also discussed the increase in the number of homeless sex offenders around the country, quoting a percentage increase of over 800% in California since Jessica's Law was put into place in 2007. This law prohibits sex offenders from residing within 2,000 feet of a school or park and has forced many of these individuals to the streets, where they cannot be traced.

There seems to be a need for a change in the laws surrounding these types of crimes and those that are not already behind bars. Parents need to know that providing their children with skills, confidence (and a cell phone) is not enough to ensure their overall safety. I've read too many articles lately on children who disappeared on their walk home from school or in a neighborhood that is known to them.

Technology has done many great things and continues to provide us with ways to connect and communicate much more quickly. Despite these wonderful benefits, we cannot rely solely on them to keep our loved ones safe. Knowing where your children are, who they're with and maintaining an open and honest relationship with them is truly the key to their individual safety and well-being.

Does your child walk home from school? Does a cell phone in their backpack put your mind at ease that you'll always be able to reach them? How will you address safety issues with them as they get older and become more independent?

..News Source.. by Sondra Santos LaBrie, San Diego Parenting Examiner