A study funded by the U.S. Congress found that one out of five youths between the ages of 10 and 17 have received an unwanted sexual solicitation in the last year. And the age and the gender of the perpetrators might surprise you. The vast majority—96 percent—of those who solicit teens are under 25. And nearly half—48 percent—are under the age of 18. Some 20 percent are female.

To protect yourself, never give out personal information to strangers, or any information that could be used to track you down. This includes information about your school or where your parents work. The Web site www.safekids.com has information about how to protect your privacy on-line, including ways to keep AOL from broadcasting your E-mail address when using AOL Instant Messenger. If you use this program, the recommendation is to use a screen name for that program that's not your regular AOL screen name (http://www.safekids.com/articles/thinksafe.htm). The prudent man, it says in Proverbs 22:3, foresees the danger and takes steps to avoid it.