Katherine “Katie” Tarbox, is the author of the international bestselling book, A Girl’s Life Online, a ground breaking memoir detailing her account with an Internet predator. Her book remains in print in over 35 languages in 50 different countries.
She has appeared in numerous media outlets such as Oprah, The Today Show, Time Magazine, The New Yorker, CNN and People. She was named a “Woman to Watch,” by Ms. Magazine. She used her expertise to testify for Congressional hearings on many occasions and to work with various non-profit organizations. She has keynoted many conferences hosted by the FBI, the Girl Scouts of America, and the U.S. Department of Justice. She has served on the board of several organizations and worked closely with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Tarbox worked closely with the FBI to create videos on Internet education for the D.A.R.E. program.
In the summer of 2002, NHK of Japan produced a one-hour documentary regarding Tarbox’s work with victims of Internet crimes and her efforts to help law enforcement understand this crime. This documentary has been widely distributed throughout Asia and Europe. In the summer of 2004, Court TV (now TruTV) produced a similar documentary of Tarbox’s work and is hosted by Al Roker. The day that her documentary aired, Mayor Bloomberg proclaimed Internet Safety Day in New York in her name.
Today, Tarbox is an active journalist. After college, she served as editorial director for Washington Life Magazine, a luxury lifestyle publication based in the D.C. area. More recently she serves as senior editor for REALTOR® Magazine. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The London Times, and YM.
She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the St. Paul’s School. She is an avid marathon runner. In addition, she’s climbed on two of the seven summits including Everest and Kilimanjaro. She can be reached at katie12682 at gmail dot com.
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Wow, I follow you on Twitter because of your runner heroism. Decided this would be a good day to read your blog. However, it took me into a different direction. I read “about you” and was impressed by your work on internet predators and exploited children. About four and half years ago, my son ran away. He was fourteen at the time. A very long story short, it was due to a girl he met on-line. She was 17. She paid for his bus ticket. Because of my “mom detective” work and working through so much with family counseling, we overcame so much. He no longer has contact with her, is doing very very well now and attends DePaul U. But, my story really isn’t about that. It’s about all the citizens I tried to reach out to and no one would listen. Her parents, teachers, police, lawyers…No one would listen. I put spyware on his computer and told him, I made sure I had his phone put away at night and put blockers on. He was constantly monitored for his safety. I spoke with her parents, they were no help. I didn’t understand. I tried to tell them all about how we need to get the message out how dangerous this “internet” is. I know it seems so obvious now, but just four little years ago everyone looked at me as though it were all my fault. He was always such a well-behaved child. I never thought he would be taken in by someone on line. I used to be ashamed of the fact that he ran away. But now, sometimes I share my story so a mother can understand that even the best of kids can be caught up in this crazy scary world. You just never know. I didn’t know that much about it. I learned quickly. We are lucky things turned out well. I am so proud that he has taken control of his life. Thank you for all the work you are doing for our children. You are a blessing. Just thought I would share. ~Cynthia,
You are a very inspirational human being Thanks for all that you do to make our planet a better place.
Congratulations for being what you are !
You are an incredible person. I read all your tweets and articles. You have accomplished so much in your young life. Your expeditions and accolades inspire me to be more than what I am. When I read your stories and thoughts I see a lot of me except for one thing. You’ve actually had the tenacity to follow through. I am an avid runner and enjoy the time to solve the worlds problems : ). Like you I try motivate people around me to live life and take care of yourself through running and physical activity or just get outdoors. My bucket list also includes climbing Mt. Everest, but based on your Economics piece I need to win the lotto and I don’t think that’s going to happen. All during my young professional career I chased after the all mighty dollar until recently when I lost it all. I did a lot of soul searching and praying asking God why? This is when I realized what my priorities are and who my real family and friends were. Now I live life for today and for my five beautiful daughters. If it weren’t for them, I would not be here today. Thank you for all that you do…I’m glad I found you. Keep reaching for the stars because if anyone can touch them, you can.
i dont even know what to say…i just finished your book…you are very strong Katie…and to be honest i think you saved many girls lives. many girls these days say that their life is terrible because of family problems, being bullied, or just depression. i am one of these girls you saved…i was bullied a lot to the point where i hurt myself, wanted to run away, and actually considered ending my life…after i read your story, i learned that whatever happens in life, no matter what, i have to hang on. thank you for letting me see this…also i wanted to say that you are really pretty:)