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As far as the parental influence vs. external commercial influence goes, I find it can boil down to this (as I can only use my own scenario as evidence);
Parental influence comes long before any outside forces. If used in such a way as to both give a child choices but make him/her understand those choices have consequences, the child's decisions later on become more thought out.
My kids and I discussed this very subject this week-I brought it up to them(they are 14). Both agreed that this girl was ignorant in her choice to give out the info she did and both asked "Where was her mother??"
Kids are influenced by forces all around them-everything is a temptation as they try to find their place in the world. Not being a guiding force at a time when a parent can be (in toddler stage, etc), is just asking for something like this to happen down the line. Unfortunately, it seems to be the norm and, not to toot my own horn, but kids like mine are the exception. I shake my head too often at the irony of it.
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Don't blame me. I didn't vote for either of'em.
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