I am always telling parents the importance of keeping all Internet-enabled devices in common areas of the home. Many parents challenge me on this—telling me that they trust their child.

It’s not a matter of trust. It’s a matter of child safety. Here’s why:

From HLN:

A Michigan woman is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with an 11-year-old boy for more than a year after meeting him on Xbox Live …

Carlton gave the boy clothes, debit cards, and jewelry, the prosecutor added.

The expensive gifts are one of the top symptoms of grooming (how a predator manipulates a child into becoming a sex abuse victim – learn more here).

If your child is receiving expensive or inappropriate gifts from an adult (especially an adult you don’t know), take action immediately.

In the meantime, talk to your child about Internet safety, monitor your child’s texts, and empower your child with information about grooming and sexual abuse. It is never okay for an adult to be sexual with a child or teen. And yes, women abuse.