http://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=hp_t2#/video/us/2013/04/11/nr-walsh-teen-prostitution-ring.cnn

 
These girls are starting so young... I can't even imagine! Where are their parents??? Where did they learn this??? I am just astounded every day by the news.

This surprises you?! What I find most disturbing but not surprising is your harmonizing that parents are to blame. At least that is what is insinuated by your comment "where are the parents" All too often said in this day & age making these teens who are capable of knowing right from wrong & making cognitive choices unaccountable for their behavior. I need to go to bed. See ya in the morning.

I think this discussion may go this way...

The parents are the legal guardians of their minor children.  If those children are involved in illegal activity, yes it very much is the parent's responsibility.  

Are they criminally liable?  Could be depending on specific circumstances.

You bring a child into this world, it is your responsibility to rear them properly.  This is not just a moral obligation, it is a legal one as well.

But remember I haven't been around this industry long enough to stop being surprised by outrageous things like this, I think that is a good thing.  

"What I find most disturbing but not surprising is your harmonizing that parents are to blame. At least that is what is insinuated by your comment "where are the parents" All too often said in this day & age making these teens who are capable of knowing right from wrong & making cognitive choices unaccountable for their behavior."

I didn't blame the parents, I am curious to see where they were in all this. I only included my initial thoughts, not every scenario, and I didn't blame anyone. Obviously kids are responsible for their own actions, but they are easily influenced by adults and their environment growing up and I think that has been proven in the past.  

Don't you wonder where the parents were? I think everyone will at least once after reading the article.....

They are following in their mother's footsteps?

While I understand your point, I think it is a very good question to ask.  That being said, even the children of loving parents who are engaged in their children's lives can go bad.

END OF MESSAGE

and regulation.  The more the hobby is mainstreamed into conventional life -- i.e., decriminalized for adults -- the more there will be legitimate providers for hobbyists to go to.  And the more that LE can focus on operations like this.   Decriminalization and regulation would make it possible for the hobbyist to know whether he's patronizing a legitimate provider or risking serious consequences if he's going someplace like this.

-- Modified on 4/12/2013 9:58:30 AM

+1 & I can guarantee that I know exactly where mine are at all times.
 It's not that difficult of a task. The fact they know the difference between right & wrong is besides the point.
I think the problem is that there's way too many overly liberal parents out there that are simply thinking that being "cool" or being their kids friend & allowing too much freedom is more important than parenting them.
* From personal experience *

You are correct Vi. Children need parents to be role models and disciplinarians ,not BFFs.

I have recently gotten into an argument with my sons girlfriends parents,
 Mostly her father about her behavior & lack of guidance by them attempting to be "cool".
 They seemed to think it was OK for her to drink alcohol, smoke pot & cigarettes.
 Let her stay out all hours of the night without checking in and expecting her to be able to fend for herself .  
To me, That's just a set up for her to get into a very bad situation no one should ever go through.
No way is that cool with me. Overly liberal parenting just doesn't work because people go about it the wrong way.  
Yep, there's a right way to give freedom yet know every detail of your child's life without making them feel threatened.
If more parents went back to the more practical ways of raising their kids i;e being on their ass & guiding them & stopped trying to be friends. We wouldn't be hearing about this nor hear of girls killing themselves because of rape, cyber bullying & public shaming without any prosecution by authorities so much.  
Xo V. My feet are so squeaky clean from all the soap now lol!