Sexual predators seek jobs that give them easy access to children

Children are being targeted by the very people whose job it is to protect them. Daily news reports reveal the disturbing reality that sexual predators have infiltrated the teaching, coaching and pastoral professions.

Stories like those of two Wisconsin teachers who attempted to seduce a student into a foursome, an Oregon teacher arrested for sexually assaulting a child online, a Virginia pastor accused of child sexual abuse, a New Jersey teacher accused of having sex with a student, a Florida teacher arrested for sexting with an underage student, and an Alabama school district employee accused of having sex with a minor – to name a few.

A recent article on DailyMail.com titled “In the twisted minds of pedophile teachers,” reported on 25 cases in 16 states last year in which female teachers were accused of sex crimes against underage students. The article brought back memories of a similar scandal that occurred at my small-town high school eight years ago. Unfortunately, the perpetrator at my former high school was a close childhood friend.

I hadn’t seen my girlfriend for over 20 years until 2016, when her photo appeared in the local newspaper. While a teacher at my old high school, she was arrested for having sex with an underage student. This relationship began in the classroom, continued over Snapchat, and escalated to clandestine meetings. I don’t know what set my girlfriend on this path, but I do know that teachers should protect their students, not sexualize them. As a coach and Sunday school teacher, I believe there is no greater calling than mentoring children. The disturbing reality, however, is that our children are being sexually manipulated by those we entrust them to. Equally disturbing is that the social media tools that define today’s digital world are the very tools these sexual predators use to gain unfettered access to our children.

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Perpetrators are not easy to identify, and unfortunately, no child is safe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91% of child sexual abuse cases in 2023 were perpetrated by someone the child and/or family knew and trusted. Perpetrators seek positions of trust and influence over children. They are fueled by a child’s risky online behavior and the ability to exploit childhood insecurities and vulnerabilities. They try to gain a child’s trust through shared interests, such as sports, clothing, or music. Perpetrators exert influence over children by affirming choices and exploiting sexual curiosity; and like my friend, perpetrators often try to expand relationships beyond the classroom or playing field.

As parents, grandparents and guardians, you need to educate yourself and your children. Get involved in conversations. Know who they are talking to and what they are talking about. Learn what social media they are using. Most importantly, show your children that you are there for them; that they can come to you and talk to you about any concerning or inappropriate behavior they encounter. Teach them what is and is not appropriate adult-child interaction.