Transparently, I want to share that I had the kids in your life in mind as I was preparing this announcement of Shared Hope’s new resources and tools about Internet Safety.
I have my own boy. He turns 8 years old this month. Like the kids in your life are to you, he is my heart walking outside of my chest. My son has stayed at the forefront of my mind as our Awareness and Growth Strategies team has worked to develop new tools addressing online predatory grooming tactics, technology dangers and “how-to” safety tips.
I say this with all honesty: As we’ve pealed back the layers of the online world, one emotion has grown stronger in me the deeper we’ve dug. Fear.
Predators are luring children and teens via
- tablet
- phone
- smart watches
- even video game consoles and multi-player gaming.
We experienced this predatory behavior first hand. While researching commonly used mobile apps, a staff member posing as a 15-year-old was solicited within minutes. She was sent pornographic images, was asked to remove her clothing, and in one case to meet in person. Another groomed her with friendship over several days, then his messages started to become sexually explicit. His profile picture was a puppy.
Worse still, the solicitors were decades older...
Seeing and experiencing the evidence right before my eyes, I’ve thought:
- How do I keep my son safe in an ever-changing, anonymous digital world?
- How do we help other parents and caregivers keep their kids safe?
- How do we help kids develop safe, healthy boundaries and resilience?
Thanks to the work of our team here at Shared Hope, and with the input and support of our Ambassadors of Hope, survivor leaders and law enforcement, we now have new tools available.
Which brings you and me to this moment.
We are thrilled to be able to put these important new tools on Internet Safety in your hands today.
Without a doubt, the truth each one contains will save lives …
- A new Internet Safety Guide on grooming tactics and warning signs to help keep children from being enticed by online sex traffickers.
- A new resource and supporting research on mobile apps commonly used by children and teens.
- A new educational video series to you help navigate the latest technology and apps that predators use to target children and teens — facilitated by Kelly, Shared Hope’s Community Engagement Manager and Internet safety specialist.
- And coming this month, thanks to your support: a comprehensive Internet safety toolkit — with information and resources on technology dangers, parental controls, networks, mobile apps, gaming, and sexting, along with “how-to” safety tips.
These resources — designed with you in mind — will enable you to:
- Teach your loved ones about child sex trafficking.
- Navigate the latest technology and apps that predators use to target children and teens.
- Let friends and family know they can learn to identify the warning signs.
- Make children aware of the dangers of the online world and what they can do to develop safe, healthy boundaries and resilience.
But we can’t stop here. We need to get this information to as many people as possible. Help us spread the word to more families across the nation!
The more people are equipped to spot the dangers and signs of child sex trafficking, the easier it will be to put an end to it once and for all.
Friend, I know you’re so very busy, so thank you for taking the time to read this message. I hope this information empowers you to ensure the safety of the kids in your life. I truly believe that, together, we can be lights in the darkness and prevent child sex trafficking.
Marissa Gunther, MSW
Director of Growth Strategies
Shared Hope International
P.S. You can easily share our new tools by clicking this link and copying and pasting the URL to social media.
Model used to protect the girls we serve.