Empowering Adults to Keep Children Safe from Exploitation and Harm
Every child deserves to grow up free from abuse, exploitation, and trafficking. But today’s world, both online and offline, poses serious risks. At Slavery Free World, we’re committed to educating and equipping you with the tools to help protect the most vulnerable among us: our children.
Below are practical steps, warning signs to watch for, and resources to help keep children safe.
1. Educate Yourself and Your Community
Awareness is the first line of defense.
Understand grooming tactics used by predators, traffickers, and online exploiters.
Learn about signs of abuse, trafficking, and coercion, especially the subtle ones.
Stay informed about trends in online safety risks, such as sextortion, social media luring, and location tracking.
For more information watch “Social Media & Minors: META’s Protections For Parents & Children | Antigone Davis“
2. Talk Openly With Children
Regular, age-appropriate conversations create trust and awareness.
Teach them about safe and unsafe touches, personal boundaries, and how to say “no.”
Discuss online safety, including what not to share, who not to trust, and what to do if they feel uncomfortable.
Encourage them to speak up without fear, no matter the situation.
For more information watch:
“Defending Childhood: Ensuring The Safety Of Children | Callahan Walsh“
“Justice Served: The Capture of a Social Media Predator With Sheriff Chris Swanson“
3. Monitor Online Activity Without Invading Privacy
Technology is part of their lives. Use it to protect them.
Know the apps they use and how they work.
Use parental controls and adjust privacy settings.
Keep devices out of bedrooms at night and set screen time boundaries.
Watch for changes in behavior, especially if a child becomes secretive or withdrawn.
For more information watch “Keeping Teens Safe Online with Meta’s New Tools & Parental Controls“
4. Build Safe Communities
It takes a village to protect a child.
Get to know your child’s friends and the adults in their life.
Support schools and organizations that implement child protection policies.
Advocate for background checks in youth programs, sports teams, and camps.
For more information watch “Watch How Airlines Identify Human Traffickers“
5. Recognize the Warning Signs
A child may not say they’re being exploited, but their behavior might.
Watch for:
Sudden withdrawal, anxiety, or depression
Changes in appearance, friends, or habits
Possessions or money they can’t explain
Reluctance to go certain places or be with certain people
Signs of physical abuse or neglect
For more information watch “Justice Served: The Capture of a Social Media Predator with Sheriff Chris Swanson“
6. Know What To Do If You Suspect Abuse or Trafficking
Fast, informed action can save lives.
Report concerns to local law enforcement or child protection services.
Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “BEFREE” (233733).
Do NOT attempt to confront a suspected trafficker directly. This can endanger the child and yourself.
7. Be the Adult They Can Trust
Consistency, love, and a safe environment go a long way.
Be present in their lives.
Model respect and healthy relationships.
Keep your promises and validate their feelings.
You Can Help Stop Exploitation Before It Starts
Protecting children isn’t about fear. It’s about empowerment. Every adult can play a role in creating a world where kids are safe, supported, and free from harm.
More Ways to Help:
Together, we can build a Slavery Free World starting with our children.