Okay , here’s another plea to have a conversation with your tween. But, we’re making it easy because there’s a handout to help lead the discussion.
FACT – kids are spending more and more time online.
FACT – with school out and some areas still staying home – online is their only recreation
FACT – tweens are at the age where they start thinking they know more than anyone else
SO – now is the time to sit them down and have that frank, one-on-one discussion about how predators try to trick people their age into what appears to be a life full of adventure and travel – but is really the start of sex trafficking.
SUGGESTION – keep it light and if you sense a “that would never happen to me” attitude, redirect it to “but what if you saw this happening to a friend, how would you stop them?” Make them discuss what they would do if they saw this happening to their best friend. Suddenly, it’s not about them, and the discussion can be more open.
Here’s the handout, courtesy of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Just click on the graphic for a one-page printable sheet you can use and give to your child.
There’s probably enough here for multiple discussions, but tailor that to your situation. The important thing is, have the discussion before your child encounters one of these predators online.
Nine more articles you might find helpful:
The worst thing your child won’t tell you
What to tell your child before it’s too late
Can you believe human zoos existed in this country
Learn the dangerous language of human traffickers before your child does
Learning the facts about sexual violence – these stats are incredible
Want to get involved with ending human trafficking?
Saint Bakhita – patron saint of trafficking victims
Look beneath the surface – would you recognize someone being trafficked?
Make a friend – save someone from becoming a trafficking victim
