“How do I protect my children from predators?” In reality, it is impossible to prevent every single harmful interaction with people. Here are some twelve tips caregivers can use to prevent their children from being victims of sex trafficking.
Teach your children about sex trafficking early and often
Sex trafficking is a form of exploitation that is present in every country in the world. Parents should talk to their children about sex trafficking as early as possible so that they can understand the dangers of this practice. Teach your children what sex trafficking looks like and why it happens. Show them examples of how traffickers use sex to control others, such as prostitution rings or child pornography rings, and teach them about the consequences of being involved in these activities.
Explain to your children that most people are not forced into these situations against their will, but many people do not know what they are getting into when they interact with a trafficker or someone who uses sexual exploitation for gain or profit.
Avoid “mystery shoppers” and suspicious people
Many people who are selling sex know that they will be caught if they are seen by someone who has some authority over them, such as a police officer or a parent or guardian. Therefore, caregivers need to avoid being around anyone who wishes to buy sex from their children. Also, parents should never give their children money for sex, as this is a form of exploitation as well.
Do not allow your children to use the internet for online dating or chatting with strangers
Parents should only allow their children to chat with others online if they have talked with them in person first and know that what the person says is true.
Do not send your children out with a “friend” who may be involved in an exploitative situation
Parents should not allow their children to go anywhere with a friend who may be involved in an exploitative situation, as this could involve the child being forced into sexual activity or other illegal activities. Parents should also make sure that if they are allowing their children to use the internet, they are supervising them at all times when they are using it and that they know how to protect themselves from online predators.
Do not allow your children to be alone with anyone unless you know what is going on and why they are there
Parents should never leave their children alone with anyone unless they know what is going on and why they are there.
Do not leave your children alone with anyone who has access to your computer or other electronic devices, even if you do not know them
Parents should never leave their children alone with anyone who has access to their computers or other electronic devices, no matter what the reason may be.
Do not leave your children alone with anyone you don’t trust
Parents should never leave their children alone with anyone they do not know and trust, especially if they do not know the person well.
Do not send sexually explicit or suggestive messages to someone on social media or elsewhere online
Parents should never send sexually explicit or suggestive messages to someone on social media or elsewhere online, as this could involve the child being forced into a sexual situation or other inappropriate activity.
Do not send inappropriate pictures or videos of your children online
Parents should never send inappropriate pictures or videos of their children online, even if they are only intended for other family members to see. This could involve the child being forced into a sexual situation or other inappropriate activity.
Do not send sexually explicit messages on social media that would be inappropriate for your children to see
Parents should never send sexually explicit messages on social media that would be inappropriate for their children to see, even if they are only intended for other family members to see, such as a parent’s spouse or another child. This could involve the child being forced into a sexual situation or other inappropriate activity.
Do not be tempted to share inappropriate images on social media
Parents should never be tempted to share inappropriate images on social media, even if they are only intended for other family members to see, such as a parent’s spouse or another child. This could involve the child being forced into a sexual situation or other inappropriate activity.
Do not post pictures online of your children with their friends without their consent, even if it is only intended for other family members to see
Parents should never post pictures online of their children with their friends without their consent, even if it is only intended for other family members to see, such as a parent’s spouse or another child. This could involve the child being forced into a sexual situation or other inappropriate activity.