More things to worry about

We parents know . . . there's just too damn much to worry about when it comes to your kid(s). Everything from friends (or lack thereof) to drugs and sex and rock and roll bad musical tastes. And for awhile now we've had the added bonus of internet predators.

Ever since The Kid logged onto the internet for the first time we've been preaching the "don't trust anybody" sermon. And, even though fictitious, shows like Law & Order with story lines about internet predators were almost a must see. Not that we want to create a terrified little girl afraid to do anything, but we do want her to be aware about what information she is broadcasting. To date, she has a couple of favorite game sites and, of course, Runescape. As of yet, no blogging or MySpace. My mantra is pretty much the same -- "Be careful."

And the answer is always, "Yessssss, Dad."

But now, there appears to be another threat on the horizon: that of Pissed Off Parents of Former Friends. In this story from the NYT, the mother of a former friend invented an internet boyfriend to get back at the girl for not wanting to be friends anymore (follow that?).

The plan apparently worked as the victim of the hoax is dead. Way to go, Mom.