Startling facts were discussed on BlogTalkRadio, The Puddle People Hour where I am a Co-host along with Pam Sargant. We had the honor of having as our guest, the Former First Lady of Utah, and wife of Michael Leavitt, Former Govenor of Utah.

Jacalyn S. Leavitt, is the chair of the IKeepSafe Coalition where governors wives all over the states have joined her in bringing startling statistics to Parents of Youth and Teenagers using the Internet.

Here are some of the stats compiled by the Coalition:

99% of Teens use the Internet
54% of teens receive requests for personal information (12% of that figure is from “tweens” (8-12 years of age)
42% have posted personal information online
30% reported that they have talked with a cyber-stranger about meeting in person.
27% have talked to strangers on line about sex.
1 in 7 children (ages 10-17) receives a sexual solicitation or approach via the internet in a one year period.
77% of tens have a personal profile available online, 40% of which say it is viewable by all persons.
80% of students are aware of cases of cyber-bullying which is very destructive to teens.
94% of students admitting to cyber-bullying did not tell an adult.

Frigtening statistics to say the least. A new statistic just coming out, all the data is not available yet, is that MANY students in college are flunking out of school, due to becoming addicted to playing video games instead of studying, and being too tired in class.

The internet is a wonderful, yet powerful technology. It can offer so many opportunities to learn, to interact with others, to provide goods and services, and conduct business. But it has also destroyed youth who were unable to handle the pressure of kids playing jokes and bullying them to a point where one child in Vermont even committed suicide due to a rumor started about him. It’s one more thing that Parents MUST help their kids with…teaching responsibilty and monitoring their kids, just as they do when teaching about driving responsibly, or teaching them the golden rule of all things in moderation for a healthy balance in life. The computer, the video games, and all the new technology, can be a wonderful vehicle that this generation is the first to witness and be a part off. They must be reminded however, that it can be as dangerous as drugs, drinking and driving, and ruining their whole lives if video games and computer become more important than what they can learn from the technology, and about real life experiences in a positive way.

With the US celebrating a Memorial Day Holiday this last weekend in May, we normally bring out all the flags, the servicemen, the bands and parades.  This year will be no different.  However, the cemetaries may have more visitors, and the sentiments may run even deeper, for the service men and women who have served in the Armed Forces and have lost their lives in war.

Many people challenge the need to be in this war, and the opinion of one or the other really doesn’t matter; the fact is, there are people at war and people losing loved ones no matter who is fighting or who the innocent are.

Not to bring morbidity to the issue, but I’m of the opinion that there should be a National Rememberance Day for Victims of Crime as well.  With so many losing their lives to senseless crimes.  We wake up one day, like any other, and not even a hint, that within the minute or hour, any one of us may fall to victimization. Possibly from a weirdo at a university that took aim; or just minding our own business driving along when suddenly, a senseless accident due to a drunk driver may occur.  It could be somthing as simple as someone using their cell phone and losing control of their car.  Even the use of a cell phone can take a life…amazing, huh?

These unsung hero’s who die for naught ought to be remembered beyond their familes and friends.  Like those from 911,  those who die everyday trying to save others, like our firemen or policeofficers who fall victim to crime as well.  The ten’s of thousands, who die silently every day because of a principal, or idea, or right, or money…but, usually, through no fault of their own.

This Memorial Day, may it be a united one.  May parades and banners, the music and memories flood all of us across the nation and the universe who fell victim to crime whether from war or any other means.  May we pray for the unknowns, as well as those we knew about.  May we pray for peace in every state and every nation.  And may we pray for a world that trembles through the onslaught of pain and loss.  May God Bless all Victims, and all Survivors all over the world.

Please be safe on this Holiday Weekend and don’t become a victim.  Celebrate life and celebrate the memory of those lost.