Chelsea King, 17

According to www.msnbc.com, a body recently found is likely to be missing teen, 17 year old, Chelsea King. Chelsea was a straight A student who’d gone missing 5 days prior.  John Albert Gardner, 30, was arrested on suspicion of rape and murder. To this I say, be as careful as you can when you see strangers. Even OLDER teens, you have to watch out. There are plenty of crazy, derelict, murderous people in this world. There’s been a lot said about being safe on the internet but you cannot be too trusting of anybody these days. The friendliest looking people could be the most messed up! Do not give a murderer or a rapist an opportunity to get close to you. Stay your distance. Here are some tips:

1. If you are in the mall and feel that you are being followed, have security walk you to your car.
2. If you are in the parking lot and see somebody strange or someone who appears to be doing something to someone, Call 911. Even if you’re wrong, if you’re right, you’ll never regret making this call.
3. If you see someone strange around school grounds, alert the principal, your parents and the police. ALL THREE. Don’t leave it up to the principal to do something, or your parents or the police. Let every adult you know and trust be aware that you’ve seen a stalkerish, stranger on or nearby school grounds.
4. Do not give people your real names, phone numbers or home addresses on the internet. I don’t care how sincere they appear to be. You don’t know ‘em and neither do I. Fake names only!
5. Do not meet up with anyone that you’ve connected with on the internet by yourself or without your can of mace! Seriously, you have to always think safety first!

I know I sound like I’m 100 today, but every time I see how someone’s life has been cut short, it makes me sick. And I want to think of ways to share information on how to be safe. So, be safe, people!