E-mail (Pen) Pals: Internet Connects Friends in Far Away Lands
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- Red
- orbitgal68
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» Red - online penpals
Kim,At first glance this sounded like a terrific idea for my grandsons. Then, I got to thinking. How do we really know that the kids are corresponding with other kids? Anyone can send in an e-mail and say they are a child.
Though I would love my grandsons to have a pen pal in a far off country, the dangers are very much a reality. I can't think of a fool proof way of protecting them from internet lurkers and sexual predators.
I don't mean to rain on your parade, but would like to discuss this.
Mary
-- posted by Red
» orbitgal68 - Re: online penpals
In response to online penpals posted by Red:HI Mary,
The organization I mentioned in the article is run by someone I know personally. I featured his organization because I can personally vouch for him. The pictures he sends of the kids are of them holding the letters and pictures my son has emailed them. I agree, some organizations can be shady, but I didn't mention them. I screen all of my son's email (as I wrote in the article) so if something doesn't seem right, I can take care of it.
I did not do the article on the other pen pal groups out there because I don't know about them. I have another article coming about Big Blue Marble and their pen pal system. I used to have a pen pal through them when I was a kid.
If your grandsons would like to do this, you can trust John and his organization. They can always ask their teachers to get one started with another class in another part of the country. Teachers are always looking for new ideas to bring children together and educate them.
Take another look at my article and you'll see that I am using this organization only because I know the Director. I know all too well about the dangers of strangers online. I take all the necessary precautions to make sure my son is safe. I wrote this article with the hopes that it would help my friend and his truly wonderful organization get more support through families and their children.
Hope this helps!
Kim
-- posted by orbitgal68
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