Being a parent comes with a whole host of worries. One such worry is child trafficking. It can be hard to know how to keep your children safe when they start going off on their own, but there are things you can do, including using an app like Eyezy.
Protecting Our Most Precious: A Guide for Parents on Preventing Child Trafficking
Child trafficking is complex, but in simple terms, it involves exploiting children by abuse of power and promises of a better life. Trafficked children are often used for work like domestic servitude, factory work, agricultural work, and mining. In some cases, they’re even forced to go to war.
How Can You Keep Your Kids Safe?
In some parts of the world, children are more vulnerable to child trafficking than in others. However, this doesn’t mean that we should presume our children are immune. Here are ways to ensure your children stay safe:
Keep Them Safe Online
One of the ways in which children are first lured to be trafficked is over the internet. Online people can pretend to be anyone they like. Children are particularly vulnerable because they’re not aware of the dangers of talking to strangers on the internet and they’re likely to believe people are genuine.
Since you can’t watch over their shoulders every second they’re online, many parents choose to use a spy app like Eyezy, Bark or bark alternatives to discreetly and remotely check what their children are doing and who they’re talking to.
Be Aware of the Causes of Child Trafficking
Knowing what causes child trafficking means you’ll put things in place to prevent it from happening to your child. Things like Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can make children particularly vulnerable to trafficking. This includes things like witnessing violence, a major life disruption, and neglect.
Talk to Your Child
Talking to your child about their online activities and those they meet online is crucial. Ensure they are aware of the lengths groomers will go to exploit and traffic children. Children like tweens and teens will be recruited through social media and video games. They might believe they’re developing a great friendship or relationship, but in reality, they’re being groomed. Make sure they know this in a child-friendly way.
Strengthen the Relationship With Your Child
By spending quality time with your child, you’ll be more likely to know when something isn’t quite right. Having a good relationship with your child also means they’re less likely to be vulnerable to exploitation because they’ll be happier and not isolated.
Child trafficking is a horrific crime that exploits and endangers some of the most vulnerable members of our society. As parents, it’s our natural instinct to do everything we can to keep our children safe. While the thought of child trafficking can be overwhelming, there are concrete steps we can take to minimize the risk and protect our kids.
Building Open Communication:
Start Early, Talk Often: Don’t wait for adolescence to discuss sensitive topics. Begin open conversations about safety, boundaries, and appropriate behavior early on, making it an ongoing part of your relationship.
Create a Safe Space: Let your child know they can come to you with anything, no matter how big or small, without fear of judgment. This fosters trust and encourages them to seek your help if they encounter something concerning.
Use Age-Appropriate Language: Tailor your conversations to your child’s understanding level. Avoid using overly technical terms that might confuse them, but don’t shy away from honest discussions about potential dangers.
Empowering Your Child:
Body Safety and Boundaries: Teach your child about body autonomy and the importance of saying “no” if they feel uncomfortable with any kind of physical contact. Empower them to identify and report inappropriate behavior.
Stranger Danger: While the concept of “stranger danger” might be outdated, emphasize caution when interacting with unfamiliar people. Teach your child not to share personal information or go anywhere with someone they don’t know and trust.
Online Safety: The internet presents both opportunities and risks. Guide your child on responsible online behavior, reminding them to be mindful of what they share and whom they interact with. Monitor their online activity and set clear boundaries around screen time.
Strengthening Your Family and Community:
Know the Signs: Be aware of the red flags of child trafficking, such as changes in behavior, unexplained absences, or secretive relationships. Educate yourself and your family to recognize potential warning signs.
Build a Support Network: Talk to other parents, teachers, and caregivers about child trafficking prevention. Share resources and work together to create a safe and supportive community for your children.
Get Involved: Support organizations working to combat child trafficking and raise awareness in your community. Volunteer your time, donate resources, or advocate for stronger legislation to protect children.
Remember, preventing child trafficking is a shared responsibility. By educating ourselves, empowering our children, and building strong communities, we can create a safer world for all.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- The National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
- The Polaris Project: https://polarisproject.org/our-work/
- Love146: https://love146.org/
- UNICEF: https://www.unicef.org/protection
Final Thoughts
In order to prevent child trafficking, you need to ensure the following:
- Ensure your kids know about the risks of talking to people they don’t know online.
- Know the signs of trafficking (withdrawing, changes in mood, etc.).
- Develop a good relationship with your child so that they’re more likely to open up to you and less likely to seek solace online.
Use a spy app or tracker like Eyezy to keep an eye on your child’s online activities. By working together, we can make a difference and protect our children from the horrors of child trafficking.
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