Poll: Shielding Children from Sexual Predators
A Snellville man sits in jail this week, accused of using Facebook to lure teens for sex. Patch asks: How do you protect your children against this kind of child abuse?
Snellville Police say Matthew Ronald Crawford lured teens to his home for sexual purposes, and that he used Facebook to do it.
Crawford, 28, of Timberline Trace in Snellville, currently sits in jail without bond, and he is charged with two counts of felony enticing child for indecent purposes.
According to a report by the AJC, Crawford used a phony profile under the name "Matt Smoker" to communicate with two boys, ages 13 and 15. On Sunday he met the teens at a Grayson Wendy's, and then took the youths to his home.
There Crawford made sexual advances, but the teens were able to escape, police said. Crawford was then arrested shortly after midnight on Monday, May 21, according to jail records.
The AJC also reports that Crawford has a history of such advances toward children, dating back to 2010.
So, Patch asks: How do you protect your children from predators who use social media sites to meet unsuspecting boys and girls? Let us know in the comment section and by taking our poll.
Raven Nichols
9:40 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
This is straight up terrifying. We set user names and passwords for our daughter, and we do periodic browser history checks. But most importantly? We have an ongoing open dialogue about internet safety. Talking to your children and constantly having your nose in their business, whether they appreciate it or not, is key. I'm really glad those kids were able to get away. I wish they'd put this fool UNDER the jail. With windows just wide enough for people to throw rotten food at him.
Joy L. Woodson
10:07 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
I think parenting sounds scary. So many things out there waiting to harm children.
Lisa
2:13 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
this was my child this happened to Sunday.this is a parents worst nighmare! my child goes to loganville all the time to his best friend. I constantly call him, text him. I get names of who he is with and verify these people with his friends mother to make sure she knows them. I tried to control his facebook but he just goes in and sets up another one. Parents can do all sorts of things, we do. but kids have a way around things. Kids( especially teen boys! ) think their invisible and nothing can happen to them. HOW WRONG! like Raven states, I stay in all his business( even if he gets mad at me) talk talk talk to them! keep computer usage to min and in the open ! go thru their phones! and Pray everyday for God's protection over our children!
Joy L. Woodson
10:42 am on Saturday, May 26, 2012
Wow, Lisa! So Sorry! You are right kids do have ways around things. Glad your child is OK.
Rhonda
7:56 am on Saturday, May 26, 2012
wow..Lisa I am sorry your going through this, I cannot imagine the horror that must be replaying through your head of what could have happened...I raised two, now 27 and 24 and am working on my third, who is 5. I never get any rest or peace because I cant let go. I HAVE to be involved in every little detail because people do target the kids and that's the only way I know nothing will happen...now the teen years ahead...are going to be different..I dont even want to think about it again...lol..I am glad your son is safe and got away unharmed, especially with what that mans intentions were.