Online predators
There are an estimated 500,000 online predators active each day. Children between the ages of 12 and 15 are especially susceptible to be groomed or manipulated by adults they meet online. According to the F.B.I., over 50 percent of the victims of online sexual exploitation are between the ages of 12 and 15.
The Internet Watch Foundation reported its worst year on record for child sexual abuse online in 2021 as it confirmed 252,000 URLs containing images or videos of children being sexually abused, compared with 153,000 in the previous year.
Sexual predators
We teach our children at an early age different ways to keep themselves safe. Safety is vital at every age, stage of life, and in every situation. Teach children how to protect themselves from others who want to harm them. Usually, they are people who have earned their trust, and adults Providing as much support as possible is critical to providing safety to children.
National Sex Offender Public Website is one place to find information about offenders near you. Additionally, states also have websites to help find those in your area. In addition, other resources are made available through other educational sites and organizations.
Staying Safe
Safety is a priority. Working on child safety hit home for me when a young girl went missing one mile from my house. While riding her bike, she was taken and later found across the state line in a corn field. Immediately I asked to begin doing programs at the schools to teach students about the dangers and how to keep themselves safe.
They are helping children understand the importance of supporting themselves and others by feeling good and safe is a priority. In my educational career, these two areas are so important throughout life. Jessica was a beautiful girl enjoying country life in a small town. It was a wake-up call for this young mother and those all around. If you think it will not happen, it can’t happen, that won’t happen here; I would like to remind you that it can, and it does.
