It is a parent's worst nightmare: To have someone preying on their children and looking at personal information. As a husband, it may be his own wife who is the victim.
Social Networking Sites have revolutionized the way communities of people relate to one another. Old friends from high school have reunited on Facebook. Celebrities, business execs and stay at home moms are starting conversations on Twitter. Teens are going in masses to interact on MySpace.
The state of Illinois has brought the issue of safety on these sites to the forefront of internet discussions. The governor signed a bill that would ban registered sex offenders in his state from these type of social networking sites.
Many feel that the bill is a waste stating that no one can police this type of bill. Second they add that it is unconstitutional by infringing on rights.
I know you didn't ask for my opinion, but as a parent and a friend of a registered sex offender, I think the bill is a good thing.
When I go on a diet, the way for me to succeed is to remove temptation. I remove the fatty foods from my house. I am by no means comparing what these people did to an overeating issue because it is much worse.
I just think that sex offenders should not even be allowed internet access. The internet is full of temptations that could end badly for these people.
I understand the argument that many of these people accused did not even commit the crimes or did so as teenagers. I understand the concept of paying time.
But I also understand the rights of the other people. One of my friends from high school is a registered sex offender. I found this out after he contacted me on facebook. When I replied he thanked me endlessly for talking to him.
Come to find out he was registered sex offender and most of our graduating class no longer talked with him. I felt this would be a great opportunity for witnessing. It wasn't two weeks before he mentioned disturbing facts he found out about me, began talking about visiting me and my kids, etc. It didn't take long before I realized that all my personal information needed to be removed.
I am not trying to assume that every sex offender is the same. I just do not think it is fair to infringe on every one else's rights so that the one who did commit a crime can have rights.
I urge every one to take precautions on these sites. Take off personal information and be careful what pictures you do post of your family.
I think the governor of Illinois made a great decision. Even if it is more symbolic, at least others might gain knowledge from knowing the dangers of these social networking sites and take steps to protect ones self.
Good job Illinois! To view the bill that was signed into law visit http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/96/HB/09600HB1314enr.htm
