Resources for Parents
Nothing is more important to a parent than the safety of their children. Protecting our kids is a constant battle, but resources exist as a helping hand in the fight to guard them. Below are the most essential pieces of information for ensuring our children’s safety, including descriptions of online platforms commonly used by kids and guidelines on how to keep our kids safe in the modern era of cyberspace.
Essential Resources for Parents
If you or a loved one could use some help in ensuring the safety of children in your life, these resources are an excellent first stop. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is the largest and most influential child protection organization in the United States. Stop It Now! and the Monique Burr Foundation are similarly critical in providing due protection to children across the nation.
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
NCMEC represents those who otherwise may have no voice: children who have disappeared or been victimized. Their guidelines for parents regarding responsible oversight of children’s internet usage at home is essential reading for protecting our kids against online predators.
Stop It Now!
Stop It Now! is an organization dedicated to promoting recognition of child sexual abuse as a preventable public health problem. Of particular value to parents are their Tip Sheets and Warning Signs:
Monique Burr Foundation for Children
The Monique Burr Foundation is dedicated to protecting children by providing comprehensive, evidence-based prevention education programs. Valuable resources available from MBF include info on “safe adults” and online gaming safety.
Online Platforms
BeReal
BeReal is a social media app that asks users to share unmodified photos throughout the day. The app may cause children to disclose sensitive information including location.
Discord
Discord is a real-time voice and text chat platform built with gamers in mind. However, due to its accessibility and ease of use, it may be frequented by predators.
TikTok
TikTok is short-form video hosting service known for its ability to promote content to the status of “viral.” The likelihood of a stranger reaching out on TikTok is particularly high.
Whisper
Whisper is an allegedly anonymous form of social media, wherein users can post text, photos, and videos. Its anonymity may attract unsavory individuals ready to prey on our children.
YouTube
YouTube is known as the most frequently used video and streaming platform today. Due to its popularity, within the context of any video, a predator may be lying in wait.
Facebook is the largest social media platform, allowing users to communicate with ease. However, the convenience of direct messaging gives predators unwelcomed access to our children.
Fortnite
Fortnite is an extremely popular video game played by users all over the world. Because it is so visually attractive to younger children, it has become a secret weapon in the arsenal of child predators.
Additional Resources
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest organization in the fight against sexual violence. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
Bivona Child Advocacy Center
Bivona CAC’s streamlined approach partners Child Protective Services, law enforcement, prosecutors, medical professionals, therapists, advocates, and volunteers under one roof, and preserves the best evidence for investigators. Children tell their story once to a highly trained forensic interviewer, get one medical exam, meet with a therapist and connect to a victim advocate. Team members work together to provide the child and family the support services they need—all the way through trial and beyond.
Additional resources from Bivona Child Advocacy Center:
Helping Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Assault
Helping Survivors is part of a growing movement of concerned citizens, survivors, and professionals working to ensure the right of every person to build a life free from the devastating consequences of sexual assault and abuse. The website helpingsurvivors.org was founded by Helping Survivors, LLC. Incorporated in Delaware, Helping Survivors, LLC is a national organization comprised of individuals dedicated to helping survivors of sexual assault and abuse.
Get in Touch. Get Involved.
Ensuring the safety of children is important to us all. If you need help, or would like to help in any way, please get in touch with us to let us know. We look forward to hearing from you!