Totally lame!! I really get annoyed with the media hype about how "unsafe" we all are. It's complete nonsense. America's children are safer on the streets today than 100 years ago. America's Internet children have a golden opportunity to be who they want to be, go where they want to go. I think you have to LOOK for trouble to find it on the Internet. It does NOT find you.

I have been chatting, instant messaging, web designing, boarding, and surfing for more than 10 years. And, let's see... I'm 23 now... so I was one of those vulnerable little kids when I got started on the world wide web.

I believe the Internet is at its best when it is self-regulating. When it is run socially. Geez! Have we really raised a generation of children that are complete morons? Is there anything we can really do to prevent morons from being "hunted down and victimized"?

I believe in an unlocked door policy. Growing up, my parents always left the front door unlocked on the house saying, "The damage will be more costly if THEY have to break the door to get in."

In other words, the more you hide (or set your profile to "private") the more fun it will be for Loser to stalk you.

So, my 7 year old son has a website. His FULL name is the domain. The site is full of video and pictures--of him. Sure, it crosses my mind that he may have some unwanted admirers. But really, that's kind of egotistical of me to think that. I mean, I can barely get his grandparents to check his site out regularly!

And, let's say some random guy starts commenting on his videos. Then what? My son makes a play date with him over email? At some point the parents come into the mix. That should be the case not just for 7 year olds who can barely type, but also for 13 year old girls. Where are the parents? My parents knew all about my net boyfriend in New Zealand!! And all the other various people I met in Real Life after an online chat.

As far as predators go, I still think they're in the minority. And I think it's a waste of time for Miss America to hunt them down. It would be more beneficial for Lauren to lure young girls to a hang-out place that encourages positive self-esteem, common sense, and goal-setting skills.

In the mean time, come find me! Find my son! It's really good for business! Stalkers need websites, too!

http://wakinggirl.com

This is a really serious issue. The statistics are frightening - www.netsmartz411.org
I think that it is great that Miss America is raising awareness and doing her best to keep kids safer online!

It's just a matter of time before people get hip to the fact that Lauren Nelson is trying to lure them in and act all perv-like to try to meet her.