by janetlombardo | Oct 15, 2023 | Blog Post
Parents often ask us at HTPA, “What are some things I can do to reduce my teen’s risk of being trafficked?”
We can all do something to help protect our children. Education is key. We recommend parents and guardians to learn about the risk and protective factors of human trafficking and child exploitation. It’s especially important to educate yourself about the signs of human trafficking and child exploitation.
Talk, they will listen.
Talking with your kids about human trafficking can be difficult, but they will listen. They need to know that you care and that you will always be there for them no matter what. Here are some simple things you can do to safeguard your teen from human trafficking and exploitation:
- Talk with your kids. It’s so important to spend quality time with your child.
- Build trust and respect with your teen so they feel comfortable talking to you about anything.
- Know who your teen hangs out with and who they are communicating with online,
- Monitor your teen’s activities on and offline.
- Be mindful of your teen’s spending habits and talk to them if you notice a sudden increase in expenses.
- Make it clear to your teen that they will not get in trouble for asking for help, even if they made a mistake.
- It’s important to talk to your teen about the importance of knowing the phone numbers of trusted adults in case of an emergency. Make sure they know who to call if they feel unsafe or need help.
- Teach your teen about online safety and how to avoid dangerous situations.
- You need to live in your child’s world. Stay up to date with technology and popular apps used by teens.
- Teach your teen that 911 is the number to call if they are ever in danger.
- Add the trafficking hotline numbers into your teen’s phone.
- Reassure your teen that you are there for them and that you will always help them.
HTPA is here to help you. We are all in this together!
by janetlombardo | Sep 9, 2023 | Blog Post
Social Media Exploitation and Sextortion is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world. In 2021 the cyber tip line increased to 29.3 million.
Children are being targeted and groomed by predators online every day. Statistics say that up to 9,000 children are being blackmailed a day and 58% will meet their predator to try and stop the sextortion.
We know that child victims of exploitation do not always report the abuse they endure due to shame, fear, or threats from their perpetrators. Because of this underreporting it makes it difficult to estimate the true extent of this most heinous crime. In some cases, victims may not even recognize that they are being exploited, especially when manipulation and grooming are involved.
For this reason, we at HTPA like many other organizations consider it to be a hidden epidemic and for several other interconnected reasons:
Many people are unaware of the prevalence and extent of child exploitation. This is partly because these crimes often occur behind closed doors, making them less visible to the public.
Technology has given rise to new forms of child exploitation, such as sextortion. Predators have 24/7 access to children via the Internet through social media, games, and apps. CSAM or Child Sexual Abuse Material takes place on the dark web or encrypted platforms, making it difficult for law enforcement to track down perpetrators and for the public to become aware of the issue.
Child exploitation often involves international networks and organized crime groups that operate across borders. The global nature of the problem makes cooperation among countries critical to address it effectively.
If we are to combat this hidden epidemic, child exploitation, it is necessary to raise awareness, provide resources to support victims, and promote international collaboration and cooperation. Primary prevention through education and advocacy are crucial in bringing this hidden epidemic into the spotlight and advocating for substantial change.
This is HTPA’s vision, the end of child exploitation, human trafficking, and justice for all victims. We invite you to help us raise awareness about a crime that preys on our most vulnerable, our children.
