Updated 1-23-23
Everyone is spending more time online and with each additional hour, your chances are better of accidentally being exposed to something as untoward as child porn or child abuse. If it happens, it’ll probably be a first for you. So what do you do?
Or worse, what do you tell your children to do?
Don’t simply click away. It needs to be reported. You’ll need the url (web address) that you are viewing so you can report it.
Here are some suggestions from Thorn, a company that makes software aimed at detecting child trafficking, abuse or porn.
First of all, don’t copy and send it to anyone other than the proper authorities. Just sharing the information is actually a federal offense.
Second: instead, report it to the platform where you found it.
Assuming that is a major player like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, they each have reporting options built into their programs. Report it on the platform – all of the major platforms used for sharing content have the option to report a piece of content. For example on Facebook you click on the three horizontal dots in the top right hand corner of any post and select ‘Give feedback on this post’.
Third: Report it to CyberTipline
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is the clearinghouse for all reports of online child sexual exploitation in the United States. That means they are the only organization in the U.S. that can legally field reports of online child sexual exploitation. If NCMEC determines it to be a valid report of CSAM or CSEC, they will connect with the appropriate agencies for investigation.
Fill out the CyberTipline report by clicking here.
This is a critical step in addressing the sexual exploitation of children online. Be sure to fill out as much detail as you’re able.
Fourth: Report CSEC to the National Human Trafficking Hotline
If you find evidence of child sex trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Managed by Polaris, the hotline offers 24/7 support, as well as a live chat and email option. You can also text BEFREE (233733) to discreetly connect with resources and services.
(Read the entire article at Thorn by clicking here)
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
Stock photo courtesy of Icons8 Team on Unsplash
Updated 9-7-21
I’m not sure if this website is active, but this is just about the only site I have found some both helpful and Relevant information.
I’m a father of a 2 year old baby girl and there are some things about our society that scares me, in the infatuation of “sex”. I’ll admit I watched pornography starting at an age that could have left everlasting scars. I’m 34 now, so pornography was not as accessible….but now it is not just advertised on social media but also the variety available online has the power to warp Young malleable minds.
Fortunately, I limit my exposure to watching it now. My questions is, if I am one of the only adults that views pornography, how do I ensure it’s not involving a child? With how girls and woman are being “groomed” to look, it gets harder to determine the age and that scares me. Not just for what I see with my eyes, but for what my daughter will be exposed to in the next hopefully 20 years. If I come across a “teen” that looks like she could be younger than what should be allowed, how do I report it? That is, without crying wolf too many times?
Just a curious both parent and Conscious man. Thank you in advance!
Hi Bryan,
For your first question, “how do I ensure it’s not involving a child?” I think the answer is you’ll never know for sure. People who exploit children don’t care.
Your second and third questions are easier. “If I come across a “teen” that looks like she could be younger than what should be allowed, how do I report it?” There’s NO teen that should be allowed to be shown in pornographic situations, so follow the steps in the article. If it’s social media, report it on the platform – all of the major platforms used for sharing content have the option to report a piece of content. For example on Facebook you click on the three horizontal dots in the top right hand corner of any post and select ‘Give feedback on this post’.
And then, also report it to the CyberTipline. Here’s that link: https://report.cybertip.org/
And as for your third, “That is, without crying wolf too many times?” EVERY time you report it, you could potentially be saving someone’s life or reputation. Don’t worry about crying wolf, the agencies can guide you as to how often and how they would like you to report. The key is don’t just fret about it – report it. That’s what they are there for.
Thanks for being concerned. Don’t hesitate to take action. Someone else’s daughter will be indebted to you.
Thanks for writing,
Doug