Every September, as fall is ushered in, it signals a change from long summer days to the start of routines, school, and all things sports. Yet this year, many schools and parents find themselves starting the school year with virtual or hybrid learning, without a consistent routine, and many sports and activities on hold, leaving many school staff and educators …
Internet Safety | The Unknown Dangers
In 2019, the CyberTipline received over 16.9 million reports of online exploitation of children. It’s hard to comprehend these figures. Yet with new games, apps, and websites readily available in a single click, many youth face dangers downloading, uploading, sharing, and connecting on the Internet. These apps and games may appear harmless on the surface, but do you know the …
From At-Risk to Advocate: Equipping and Empowering Students
As we continue our Back-to-School series, there cannot be enough emphasis on equipping and empowering students. From At-Risk to Advocate When we engage with communities, we often hear from parents, family members, teachers, or school staff about their concerns for the vulnerabilities students face. Whether through social media, the Internet, or socially, teens can be at-risk and not even know …
Schools and Human Trafficking: Response and Protocol
If we know students are at-risk of human trafficking and exploitation, then what are schools doing to respond? Schools, teachers, professors, administrators, school nurses, bus drivers, SROs, custodial staff, coaches, advisors, and more are uniquely and strategically positioned to engage. University staff and educators regularly interact with students, notice when they are not present, and are aware of behavioral and …
Is My Student At-Risk?
Human trafficking is everywhere, including schools. The very idea seems unimaginable. And yet, whether a school is in an urban, suburban, or rural community, students may be at risk of human trafficking and exploitation. Any minor who is recruited for the purpose of commercial sex is a victim of human trafficking. Federal law does not require force, fraud, or coercion. …