The story of an 11-year-old boy stealing the family car and driving hundreds of miles to unite with a man he met on Snapchat is disturbing on so many levels. I am not a parent, but I do know the dangers of parenting these days, especially with social media being a part of our lifestyles.
According to reports this child drove more than 200 miles to meet a total stranger. That right there is already an issue because no 11-year-old should be behind the wheel. Can you imagine the danger he could have caused himself and others? And the fact that he was going to meet a man is scary. The intentions of this man have wrong written all over them.
Something is seriously disturbing about this story. How could the parents not have a clue about this "online relationship" their son was having? There had to be some signs of behavioral change or something. And why would a child want to go live with another man in the first place? Are there things going on in that child's home that should be investigated?
Parents, please keep a close eye on your child's moves. There are so many ways you can do it without smothering them or making them want to rebel. Know who their friends are, know where they are going and who they are with, know how to access their social media accounts. Most children under 13 shouldn't even be on social media in the first place.
This particular story has a somewhat happy ending. The kid did not meet up with the predator and he is back home safely with his family. But that may not always be the case, so parents please be aware of what is going on in your child's life.