Back in January, we blocked off a full day to learn more about human trafficking. We ended the day with the lovely folks from Children of the Street, and they led us through their Safer Space workshop. I was absolutely shocked (and terrified) to learn about all of the different ways that children are being exploited online. At that moment, I knew I needed to share this information with as many parents and caregivers as I could in hopes to help protect our kiddos from online sexual exploiters.
How Are Kids Being Exploited Online?
There are many ways in which children are being exploited, however here are some of the most common situations to look out for.
Online Games:
Your child has an online “friend” on their online game, and each day after school this friend shares cheat codes (or admin codes) for the game with your child. Your child now trusts their online “friend” and no longer sees them as a stranger. One day this “friend” tells your child, “Today, if you want your code, all you have to do is send me a picture of yourself in your bathing suit”. And your child thinks, I can trust my friend, they’ve always been reliable before… what’s the harm in sending them a picture? So, they send one. Now, their online friend is threatening to share this intimate image if your child doesn’t send more. That’s sextortion.
Peers:
Another common way that young people are being exploited is by their peers. Young people are sharing intimate images with friends and partners for several reasons: to flirt, for validation, for social acceptance.
Tips on How to Keep Your Kids Safe Online
1. Talk to your kiddos about online sexual exploiters as soon as they start using a device.
2. Create a relationship built on trust and always have open communication.
3. Join our live webinar today from 10:30 am to 11:30 am PST to learn more about how to protect your kids from online sexual exploiters. If you can’t make the live, don’t worry, a recording will be sent to your email to watch the replay!
Keeping Kids Safe Online:
This is why we have joined forces with the Children of the Streets team to bring YOU (parents and caregivers) a one-hour live presentation on Keeping Kids Safe Online. Join us today from 10:30 am to 11:30 am PST to learn how to protect your kiddos from online sexual exploiters. Don’t worry if you can’t make it, the presentation will be recorded and will be sent right to your inbox after the event. This webinar will also include opportunities for Q&A, a live discussion, and door prizes!
The webinar will also include opportunities to ask any questions you may have, a live discussion, and the chance to score some awesome door prizes, all while protecting our kiddos and giving back to an amazing organization!
Tickets are $15 dollars each and all proceeds raised will go directly to support Children of the Street in its work to keep kids safe from sexual exploitation.
We hope to see you there!
xo
Jilly
