There are some sick individuals in this world.

Former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky is one of the worst.

If for whatever reason you aren’t up to date on this disgusting joke of a man, I’ll bring you up to speed quickly.

Sandusky is a child molester.

Let’s say a nurse didn’t have the medicine needed to induce vomiting in a poisoned patient. All that nurse would need to do is have the patient read the Grand Jury report in the Sandusky trial, and I guarantee that patient would puke everywhere.

Plenty of parents have dreams for their children.

Their kids may display some form of talent at an early age, and they may wish for them to be coached early to gain an advantage later in life.

Some just want their little ones to develop social skills and make friends.

Whatever the case, in most instances, the child is out of the parent’s sight for a significant amount of time and in the hands of a stranger.

Imagine the anger you’d feel if your kid, who means more to you than anyone, was abused by a psychopath like Sandusky.

The fear of such situations in some scared parents can bring up the option of home-schooling or social seclusion.

I don’t think that is any way for a child to grow up. So many reflect on their childhood as the best times they ever had. Playing sports, camping, art, music, reading clubs, etc.

Why take that away?

I doubt there are many Jerry ‘Tickle Monster’ Sandusky’s out there ready to ruin childhoods, but there are some.

So it’s up to the adult community to keep the risks limited to scraped knees and flu bugs that come from playing around.

I know nothing of parenting since I have no children of my own. But I do have my own parent’s example to use as a postulate for the future, if need be.

Not to knock anyone who does, but I know for a fact I’d never hire a random babysitter to watch any child of mine.

If my kid wanted to join a club or play a sport I’d get to know everyone involved in the organization, and if I sensed anything funny I’d have them quit and join another one.

Beyond that, I’d be sure to communicate with my child about my life, so they’d feel comfortable doing the same with me in return. And again, if I sensed anything out of whack, I’d act accordingly.

Still, you can’t be there all the time. Adults have responsibilities. But people have to do all they can to keep kids safe. If we can’t even protect our own children from evil people like Jerry Sandusky, then society is faiing, and failing miserably.

The safety of the youthful is a number one priority. My parents and other good, responsible adults protected me until I was smart enough and strong enough to do so myself. If you’re an adult and reading this, I hope you feel the need to protect as well. Where there’s smoke there’s a fire. If you know 100 percent that a kid needs help, you don’t need anyone’s permission to step in.

I’m sure you’d want someone to do the same for your own.

Joshua Bryant can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected]