Without strong parenting, doors could open for children to fall prey to a variety of predators who endlessly seek out the vulnerable for various twisted objectives.

Often, this can be achieved without touching a door knob.

In a world where modern communication technology has opened many windows for learning across the globe, there is danger when such technology is embraced by those with evil intentions. It creates challenges for parents who, in many cases, are unfamiliar with the far reaching power of social media.

Perhaps the best way to put it is that a window left open for the cool summer breeze will also provide an opening for a thief.

Parents in the modern world of technology, in a sense, have a more demanding job than the US Secret Service, which is tasked with protecting the President of the United States and other top officials.

Unlike the secret service, parents cannot be with their children around the clock. They must work to support them — often under circumstances where the priority is more shelter and food than what they possibly could be exposed to.

In a tough economic climate, along with distractions for young people unheard of decades ago, many parents are not finding it easy to cope.

That situation does not go unnoticed by those waiting in the shadows to tap into the vulnerable. Police around the world are kept busy 24/7, trying to protect the innocent from activity that has not only destroyed lives but continues to take a heavy toll with unsuspecting families.

It is not what a parent thinks they know about their child, but instead what the child wants the parent to think they know, that could be the problem.

This situation was highlighted recently when three young British girls, who were described as regular teenagers by family members, were in communication with the notorious terrorist group Isis without parents having the slightest notion of what was going on.

Before police could get a handle on what was taking place, the girls were able to sneak out of the country to join Isis, leaving relatives and officials wondering where things went wrong.

The final outcome to this sad event is a question yet to be answered. However, it showed how families can be vulnerable to predators who watch and wait for an opportunity to use social media for illicit purposes.

Without careful monitoring by parents, detection can be difficult. With so many communication devices being used by millions every day throughout the world, parents can only hope their children use this technology in a positive manner.

Bermuda Police are currently investigating reports of possible sexual exploitation of children through this technology, which should sound alarm bells for all parents on the Island.

The mind of a child badly damaged by sexual predators is not easily healed. Some would say it never can be.

Being a strong parent involves much more than providing shelter, food and various amenities. They must be vigilant in keeping values about life at the forefront of conversations and should never take anything for granted where there is concern about use of social media.

Unless young people are taught early what to look out for, they could become vulnerable to slick, misguided proposals and a wrong move that could change their life forever.

The vulnerable will always be targeted by people with evil objectives and staying alert about such activity is a reality for all parents who strive to provide their children with proper values for good living.

Strong parenting remains the only solid base to keep any community healthy and safe.

It is a task that will involve every Bermudian in order to spot danger signals before it is too late.