I lie a lot, but this time I won't. I've shared with some people before that I am a therapist in real life. What I haven't revealed completely is that I specialize in child sexual abuse. I work with children that have been sexually abused. At my placement as well, there is a specialized detective unit dedicated to online sex crimes. I get to watch "to catch a predator" in real life. I've heard stories from these detectives. And yes, there are many people who are out there ready to prey on young boys and girls. If you are younger than 18 in most cases, you may be at risk.
Even those on tengaged may inadvertently try to get underage kids on tengaged to reveal pictures of an explicit nature. They may try to skype or webcam with you. While you think it may be fun or exciting to share pictures of your naked body with an adult, it is hard to believe, but most governments would not think that you are smart enough to consent to do so.
The reason why these governments make these rules is because there are many kids who are coaxed into sexting and get really affected by it later. The adults sometimes regret things and make laws to protect children from making the same mistakes. Maybe you won't regret it in the future, but with skype being so prevalent on tengaged, I felt like it's important to make sure that everyone's aware of the resources just in case.
Statistics say that 1/4 girls and 1/6 boys will be sexually abused. It may sound overestimated, but there are way too many more cases than you ever realize. I see it on a daily basis. I hear the stories about girls or boys were told to take pictures on a phone and then it turned into a blackmail to get more pictures. In some states of the USA, even children who pass these pictures on will get charged and arrested. Sexting with a minor may be a crime in some jurisdictions. It is a serious matter.
Despite the statistics, young men, especially those that are confused and are looking for guidance from an adult are very impressionable and willing to please others. Predators look for boys online because they don't have to do much except ask for the boy's age before they ask to have sex.
If you ever feel uncomfortable with an adult please tell a teacher, school counselor, trusted adult, etc. about your situation and I hope that this person will find the right authorities and help for you. I'm glad that all kids I see have had someone do that. This is not true for every case, or we get ones where the child was silent for years.
Here are resources and interesting stories to bring awareness. I hope that it gives you the courage to face this unfortunate circumstance:
i think yoshitomi celebrated her 5th too if i'm not mistaken
but thanks for sticking around for 5 years, you were one of the people i looked up to when i first joined on my original account so it's good to have a piece of the past still with us!
* BbDamian
I named all guys! lol
There are other '08 females, but I am having a mind blank. XD
@Palito. I have a huge amount of respect for you now for doing the work that no one really wants to see.
I do hope people read your blog because this is the message people should be hearing.
It is very real and it isn't a joke. :(
Grats on 5 years! :) It's an honour to know you. =]
I've talked to Emmaleigh about my work before. It's a job that someone's gotta do. If I can do my part to help prevent kids from eventually getting to me, I'll feel better. I have a feeling most kids here did a "tl;dr" unfortunately.
At least this blog as a resource will exist if someone asks about it in the future though!
