Human Trafficking/Online Grooming

With #savethechildren trending for much of 2020, it's easy to understand why so many people have a distorted view of what human trafficking really looks like, who is most vulnerable and how these traffickers groom their victims. Listen in while Merrie shares with me some of the things you may not know, the signs to look for with your own kids, and the things you can do to help and even prevent someone from being trafficked. Merrie is the co-founder of Harbour Hope International, a non-profit in Central Florida on the ground fighting human trafficking in our area. She shares stories from survivors and ways you can get involved. For more information about Merrie, visit www.harbourhope.org. 1 (888) 373-7888 - National Human Trafficking Hotline or TEXT the word HELP or INFO to 233733

Join me and founder of Paving The Way Foundation Jan Edwards as we discuss how to talk with your children about the dangers of online grooming, games with chat features, and talking with strangers. While this may seem like a tough and overwhelming conversation, Jan breaks it all down and shares simple strategies as well as Paving The Way's online tools for parents. Take the guess work and uncomfortableness out of the equation and JUST TALK WITH THEM. Your kids are smarter and savvier than you may realize, and have probably already encountered online groomers in one way or another. Listen in to gain confidence and clarity as you partner with your kids to make good choices while online. Check out pavingthewayfoundation.org for resources and more information.

If your kids are anything like mine they love playing on their devices, whether that's a phone, tablet, computer or video game console. After taking Dr. Brenna Hicks' course and reading her book Device Detox, my husband and I learned about the physiological, behavioral, and emotional dangers of too much screen time for kids. Using the techniques of Play Therapy found in her book we have managed to bring peace and less screen time to our own home. Listen in as Dr. Brenna shares some of the data behind these statements as well as strategies, tips, and tricks for getting your kids to choose making memories and being present over their beloved screens. For a deeper dive and broader discussion on this topic, join Dr. Brenna Hicks at Discovery Church Winter Garden Campus (just west of Orlando, FL) on Saturday, February 11th. More details including time, registration costs, and registration can be found here: https://discoveryfl.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1570404 Dr. Brenna Hicks is the Owner of The Family Counselor Center & The Kid Counselor Center in Tampa, FL. https://www.thefamilycounselorcenter.com You can also listen to the Play Therapy Parenting podcast everywhere you enjoy podcasts!

Ep. 109- Join me and Dark Watch CEO Noel Thomas as we discuss the realities of human trafficking that are plaguing our nation, and Florida in particular. Dark Watch combats human trafficking with digital intelligence to detect and track criminal organizations exploiting victims through force, fraud, and coercion. They focus on the broader criminal landscape, partnering with various entities to dismantle trafficking enterprises, reduce survivors’ burdens, and support a comprehensive anti-trafficking approach. We also discuss Noel's new book, Dark Traffic, and how you as citizen can learn from it combat human trafficking in your own backyard, or home. Believe it or not, these predators use common apps to lure children and unsuspecting teens into their world and a life of bondage. Learn what steps you can take to protect your own family from these monsters. Check out darkwatch.io for more information on this company, and purchase Dark Traffic here: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Traffic-Dangerous-Intersection-Technology