IT’S TIME TO GET
ABOUT WHAT YOU DO ONLINE
We all know the internet can be an awesome place. But, just like IRL, there can be some creeps out there who can make it a very dangerous place for kids and teens. It’s important to be educated and empowered so you know how to protect yourself and your friends.
FRIENDS
DON’T…
Pretend to be something they’re not, they don’t make you feel uncomfortable and they don’t ask for sexually explicit pictures.
DO…
Call you out on risky choices, speak up when they are worried about you, listen to you without judgement and share their experience so you can learn.
ealize that predators pretend to be your friend.
By the time they ask you for something personal, it might not seem creepy. This is part of their trick called grooming.
ducate yourself on who predators target for exploitation.
It can happen to anyone but if you are Black, Latinx or a LGBTQ youth, you are more likely to be targeted.
sk yourself before sharing any photo, “would I want my grandma to see this?”
If the answer is no, don’t share it.
et someone know if you feel uncomfortable!
Blocking is not enough. You need to report the user to the platform and talk to a friend or adult you trust.
RESOURCES
Is Your Explicit Content Out There?
- Did your nudes get shared or leaked? We got you. Here’s a step-by-step guide to notify the platform they are posted on and file a report to the CyberTipline.
Love and Trafficking
- Love is great, right? It makes you feel like you’re on the top of the world. But it can also be one of the most commonly used tools by predators. Learn more about what grooming and exploitation may look like.
Safe Digital Spaces for LGBTQ+ Teens
- The internet is an amazing tool that can connect you to other LGBTQ+ people around the world – but sometimes it’s hard to tell if someone is really who they say they are. Q Chat Space is an online community where LGBTQ+ teens can live chat with their peers and moderated by professional facilitators from LGBTQ+ centers across the US.
- The Trevor Project also offers a social community for LGBTQ+ young people between the ages of 13-24 years old. In this moderated community you can explore your identity, get advice, make friends and find support.
WHO WE ARE
The McCain Institute is working to make a difference in people’s lives across a range of critical areas including combatting human trafficking and exploitation. Online exploitation of children and teens is one entry point for human trafficking. That’s why we’re helping teens recognize the risks and the steps to take to keep themselves and their peers safe. It’s part of our Combatting Human Trafficking program, aiming to educate, raise awareness and implement action-based solutions to end modern slavery in the U.S. and abroad.
