Most world leaders have guards around the clock, mainly because the world can be a dangerous place, with evil lurking in just about every corner, waiting for an opportunity to pounce. It is a sad reality that leaders have to live with daily.Many countries in recent years have experienced terrible tragedies with children being targeted by twisted individuals obsessed with harming others — even defenceless children. When these things happen, shock waves are felt around the world, because there usually are no quick answers as to why they occur.It can be extremely difficult to detect an individual who could outwardly appear quite normal, but just beneath the surface devious instincts are taking root, only to explode without notice.In this cyberspace world, there are countless perverts and twisted minds taking advantage of electronic connections to spread their lewd objectives and to prey on the vulnerable. The situation is so grave that a global police effort is heavily engaged in trying to stamp out activities that constantly targets children.The revelation that cameras were recently discovered in bathrooms at TN Tatem Middle School, should be a giant wake up call to the entire community that we need to give better protection to our children, especially at school where they should feel completely safe.Since the matter at TN Tatem is under investigation, it would be unwise to draw conclusions.But this is a good time to reflect on the direction our society is heading when it comes to values that seem so much on the decline. We could be turning into an anything goes community where whatever happens is seen as a part of today’s lifestyle. That would be sad indeed.It’s a truism that our children are the future of Bermuda, and if left unprotected from elements determined to lure them to activity that demeans and corrupts them, the future itself is in jeopardy .Another troubling aspect is that because Bermuda is so small, there are usually people who know someone likely to be engaged in wrongdoing, but they remain silent because too often it a relative or friend would be exposed.This attitude is not uncommon in small jurisdictions, but it leaves victims at terrible risk. In this way, well-meaning but misguided intentions have disastrous consequences.Hopefully this will not become a political issue which can easily happen with a general election hanging the air. This subject crosses all barriers and involves the entire community and trying to stamp it out will require a full community effort.That in itself is challenging, with political divisiveness still a major factor in almost everything we do. When it comes to our children and their proper guidance toward building character, political differences and point-scoring have to be put aside.Children are dying every day in different parts of the globe as a result of regional wars and deprivation. Even efforts by the United Nations have failed to halt these horrors that continue to claim the lives of so many children.Events in Syria recently stunned much of the globe as children were brutally slaughtered by a regime that is prepared to stop at nothing to remain in power. It is almost unthinkable but very real.Bermuda’s children may not be threatened by bombs, but sexual predators and abusers can be anywhere.Bermuda can be an example to the rest of the world when it comes to protection of our children. With our small population we should be able to make that a reality. Much will depend on how we respond collectively to danger signs that threaten our children. There will be no success without the proper protection of our children.