Monthly Awareness Education
Every month we will be focusing on a specific topic that is relevant to the conversation around human trafficking and modern day slavery.
Come back and visit monthly to learn more about the things our teens and young adults are dealing with in their lives and how to guide their way through this period of life.
Topics such as sextortion, recruitment, grooming, gaslighting, dating violence, sexual assault, along with empowerment, body boundaries, healthy relationships, smart social media use and more will be covered here. We'll share facts, stories and some solutions.
We are committed to educating and empowering you to prevent you or anyone in your family from experiencing such trauma. And if it happens, to reduce the shame, embarrassment and guilt that goes along with this type of trauma so you and your children know you are not alone in this fight.
Together we can #StopTraffickingToday!
Come back and visit monthly to learn more about the things our teens and young adults are dealing with in their lives and how to guide their way through this period of life.
Topics such as sextortion, recruitment, grooming, gaslighting, dating violence, sexual assault, along with empowerment, body boundaries, healthy relationships, smart social media use and more will be covered here. We'll share facts, stories and some solutions.
We are committed to educating and empowering you to prevent you or anyone in your family from experiencing such trauma. And if it happens, to reduce the shame, embarrassment and guilt that goes along with this type of trauma so you and your children know you are not alone in this fight.
Together we can #StopTraffickingToday!
January is Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month!
Although the fight against human trafficking is going on every day of every month, we spend January observing Human Trafficking Awareness Month. What better time than the beginning of a new year to refocus on the issues that matter most. First, let us define what human trafficking is; “a crime in which force, fraud or coercion is used to compel a person to perform labor, services or commercial sex” (Department of Defense). While most people may know about human trafficking, the average American is unlikely to be able to recognize the signs of human trafficking, even if it was happening to them or a loved one. This is in large part due to two reasons. First, few people are taught that the majority of trafficking takes place online. Abusers use social media to entice, groom and recruit pre-teens and teens to engage with them. They target the lost, lonely and isolated children in our country. They typically pose as someone close to their age with similar interests to gain the trust of their targets and lure them into sharing personal information or send revealing photos.
Once a picture is shared, the child can feel trapped in the situation for fear of having their pictures “leaked” or worse. Many individuals who experience being exploited or being trafficking and may not know what it is, so they do not know about resources such as the National Human Trafficking Hotline that are designed to help them. Because of this, they can get stuck in the cycle with no clear way out. For this reason, it is crucial to foster proper human and sex trafficking education both in schools and in homes. We must teach both children and adults the signs of a potential trafficker and exemplify safe social media practices. It is also critical to share the resources such as the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 1 (888) 373-7888, the Missing Kids Tip line, that exist to help those in need. It’s time to step up and have these conversations about online exploitation and human trafficking with your family and loved ones. Talk about and create a plan of action for the event that someone you know gets caught up in the cycle.
It's time to shine a light in the darkness, drop the stigma’s and false notions that anyone would choose that life.
No one chooses that life.
No one.
There are many rumors, scams and scare tactics being shared online. Be careful to not lean into false stories or half-truths. Do the research. Understand what trafficking, modern day slavery, exploitation are, tactics used to lure children and adults in and how you can help end this.
Learn more on our website, www.pavingthewayfoundation.org on the signs of human trafficking and online exploitation and ways you can help #disruptthecycle.
Source:
https://dod.defense.gov/News/Special-Reports/0118_National-Slavery-Human-Trafficking-Prevention-Month/
https://www.acf.hhs.gov
https://ucfglobalperspectives.org/htms/whats-the-truth/
Once a picture is shared, the child can feel trapped in the situation for fear of having their pictures “leaked” or worse. Many individuals who experience being exploited or being trafficking and may not know what it is, so they do not know about resources such as the National Human Trafficking Hotline that are designed to help them. Because of this, they can get stuck in the cycle with no clear way out. For this reason, it is crucial to foster proper human and sex trafficking education both in schools and in homes. We must teach both children and adults the signs of a potential trafficker and exemplify safe social media practices. It is also critical to share the resources such as the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 1 (888) 373-7888, the Missing Kids Tip line, that exist to help those in need. It’s time to step up and have these conversations about online exploitation and human trafficking with your family and loved ones. Talk about and create a plan of action for the event that someone you know gets caught up in the cycle.
It's time to shine a light in the darkness, drop the stigma’s and false notions that anyone would choose that life.
No one chooses that life.
No one.
There are many rumors, scams and scare tactics being shared online. Be careful to not lean into false stories or half-truths. Do the research. Understand what trafficking, modern day slavery, exploitation are, tactics used to lure children and adults in and how you can help end this.
Learn more on our website, www.pavingthewayfoundation.org on the signs of human trafficking and online exploitation and ways you can help #disruptthecycle.
Source:
https://dod.defense.gov/News/Special-Reports/0118_National-Slavery-Human-Trafficking-Prevention-Month/
https://www.acf.hhs.gov
https://ucfglobalperspectives.org/htms/whats-the-truth/
Back to School Safety Tips!!!!
With millions of students returning to school this fall, it is important to take time to think about our children’s safety, both online and in person. The responsibility for the cyber safety of students during the school year works best when shared by parents, educators and administrators. This being said, it is also crucial that students are provided with the tools and know-how to remain protected online. While the internet provides students with endless resources and information, it also exposes them to many dangers.
We have already covered many of the dangers of social media in previous blog posts. However, we would like to take some time to reiterate a few of the important points.
When at school or in public, make sure to keep your AirDrop turned off. For iPhones, you can do this by going to Settings >> General >> AirDrop. Once you are here, you can select “Receiving Off” or “Contacts Only”. This will ensure that you can either receive no AirDrops, or only those sent by someone in your contacts. For Androids go to the “‘Nearby Share’ toggle in the ‘Quick Settings’ panel, bring up the Nearby share settings, then turn the toggle from On to Off.
This is essential because many have used this feature to share and spread inappropriate images of students and other minors to their classmates. By disabling AirDrop or Nearby Share on your phone, you are putting the power in your hands and preventing the further spread of these images.
One last thing to note is how essential it is to share your phone’s location with trusted family members and friends. This ensures that if you are going out to an event, or even a date, someone will always know where you are in the event that something happens.
We also encourage that you have a code word with your family and friends that you can text in case of an emergency. While it is important to share your location with those you trust, make sure that your location on apps such as Snapchat is not visible to the public. You can set your account to “Ghost Mode”, which means that no one will be able to see your location, or select which friends you want to share it with.
Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call the Hotline 888-373-7888 or Missing Kids 800-843-5678. Together we can stop the cycle of human trafficking. Be brave; block and report fake and scam accounts, share this information with your friends and remember to #breakthesilence.
We have already covered many of the dangers of social media in previous blog posts. However, we would like to take some time to reiterate a few of the important points.
- Make sure to keep all your social media accounts private and only follow and friend people you personally know. Having more followers and likes might sound appealing, but it is not worth your safety.
- Never reveal any private or personal information on social media such as your full name, phone number, or address. Additionally, do not accept direct message requests from accounts you do not recognize; this is a very common way for scammers and traffickers to approach individuals.
- Finally, make sure to share your account logins and passwords with a parent or other trusted adult. This is not so that they can watch your every move, but so that in case of an emergency, the police can use that information to come find and get you to safety.
When at school or in public, make sure to keep your AirDrop turned off. For iPhones, you can do this by going to Settings >> General >> AirDrop. Once you are here, you can select “Receiving Off” or “Contacts Only”. This will ensure that you can either receive no AirDrops, or only those sent by someone in your contacts. For Androids go to the “‘Nearby Share’ toggle in the ‘Quick Settings’ panel, bring up the Nearby share settings, then turn the toggle from On to Off.
This is essential because many have used this feature to share and spread inappropriate images of students and other minors to their classmates. By disabling AirDrop or Nearby Share on your phone, you are putting the power in your hands and preventing the further spread of these images.
One last thing to note is how essential it is to share your phone’s location with trusted family members and friends. This ensures that if you are going out to an event, or even a date, someone will always know where you are in the event that something happens.
We also encourage that you have a code word with your family and friends that you can text in case of an emergency. While it is important to share your location with those you trust, make sure that your location on apps such as Snapchat is not visible to the public. You can set your account to “Ghost Mode”, which means that no one will be able to see your location, or select which friends you want to share it with.
Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call the Hotline 888-373-7888 or Missing Kids 800-843-5678. Together we can stop the cycle of human trafficking. Be brave; block and report fake and scam accounts, share this information with your friends and remember to #breakthesilence.
World Day Against Human Trafficking
July 30th
July 30th marks the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. According to the Global Slavery Index, over 40 million people worldwide are living in modern-day slavery. Over 50% of these people are exploited via sex and 38% are used for forced labor.
Over a third of those who are trafficked are women and over half are under the age of 18. Although human trafficking is a world-wide issue, the challenge to break the cycle may is not always a unified effort. This is what makes the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons so crucial. It is a time when nations all over the world turn their attention to this issue.
This year, the United Nations is focusing on the use of technology as it pertains to human trafficking. With the COVID pandemic, from work, to school, much of our daily lives were moved online. Predators have been utilizing social media to groom unsuspecting children and adults for years. With the sudden surge of online activity due to the pandemic and quarantine, the target pool for predators grew exponentially. With young children turning to social media for companionship over the past two and half-years, who are not aware of the intentional enticement, grooming, recruitment are at high risk. Social media gives traffickers a way to quickly communicate with each other, organize, advertise, and maintain anonymity.
NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) had over 29 million reports of CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material) in 2021, up from 21 million inf 2020. Our children are being intentionally targeted, enticed, manipulated and groomed online to send explicit pictures.
Traffickers and online predators continue use social media platforms to groom and entrap people, we can use the same platforms to raise awareness and educate our communities about human trafficking and online exploitation. When we are informed, we can begin to take preventative actions and save lives.
There are various tactics traffickers approach people online. A common tactic is to reach teens on social media under the guise of friendship. Once a relationship is established, it is much easier for predators to exploit their victims. Another, more obvious, tactic is to pose as a “sugar daddy” or “sugar mamma”. Traffickers will elicit explicit pictures or sexual favors from potential “sugar babies” for financial compensation. It is not uncommon for traffickers to then threaten the spread of these images to blackmail the sugar baby into more pictures or favors.
If you receive any messages through social media that resemble these scenarios, the best thing you can do is to call your local non-emergency number to file a police report and report the account. When the local police show up, they may not be as knowledgeable as you are - that’s ok. Have them file a report and have them forensically download all of the data and ask them to call the local HSI office or Internet Crimes Against Children unit. If you or someone you know has been lured into one of these schemes, it's natural to be frightened and concerned.
We want you to know it is not your fault. We’ll say it again, it’s not your fault.
The best thing you can do is ask for help - whether it’s a parent, guardian or safe adult, tell someone. You are not alone. Even when it may seem like there is no hope of getting out, remember that there are resources out there that are designed to help. Do not hesitate to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888 and reach out to your local authorities.
As we pause for a day to pray for those enslaved and suppressed, consider finding a local organization that does work that you feel called to support. There are dozens of organizations around the country that do amazing work from prevention, to recovery, to rehabilitation to restoration. By supporting local organizations, you can disrupt the cycle.
Want to step up your game and raise awareness on your SM platforms too! Great!
Get resources here:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-human-trafficking-day/resources
For more information regarding human and sex trafficking and what you can do to break the cycle, take a look at the resources.
Sources:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-human-trafficking-day
https://www.missingkids.org/content/ncmec/en/ourwork/impact.html
bit.ly/3PyAuim
Over a third of those who are trafficked are women and over half are under the age of 18. Although human trafficking is a world-wide issue, the challenge to break the cycle may is not always a unified effort. This is what makes the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons so crucial. It is a time when nations all over the world turn their attention to this issue.
This year, the United Nations is focusing on the use of technology as it pertains to human trafficking. With the COVID pandemic, from work, to school, much of our daily lives were moved online. Predators have been utilizing social media to groom unsuspecting children and adults for years. With the sudden surge of online activity due to the pandemic and quarantine, the target pool for predators grew exponentially. With young children turning to social media for companionship over the past two and half-years, who are not aware of the intentional enticement, grooming, recruitment are at high risk. Social media gives traffickers a way to quickly communicate with each other, organize, advertise, and maintain anonymity.
NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) had over 29 million reports of CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material) in 2021, up from 21 million inf 2020. Our children are being intentionally targeted, enticed, manipulated and groomed online to send explicit pictures.
Traffickers and online predators continue use social media platforms to groom and entrap people, we can use the same platforms to raise awareness and educate our communities about human trafficking and online exploitation. When we are informed, we can begin to take preventative actions and save lives.
There are various tactics traffickers approach people online. A common tactic is to reach teens on social media under the guise of friendship. Once a relationship is established, it is much easier for predators to exploit their victims. Another, more obvious, tactic is to pose as a “sugar daddy” or “sugar mamma”. Traffickers will elicit explicit pictures or sexual favors from potential “sugar babies” for financial compensation. It is not uncommon for traffickers to then threaten the spread of these images to blackmail the sugar baby into more pictures or favors.
If you receive any messages through social media that resemble these scenarios, the best thing you can do is to call your local non-emergency number to file a police report and report the account. When the local police show up, they may not be as knowledgeable as you are - that’s ok. Have them file a report and have them forensically download all of the data and ask them to call the local HSI office or Internet Crimes Against Children unit. If you or someone you know has been lured into one of these schemes, it's natural to be frightened and concerned.
We want you to know it is not your fault. We’ll say it again, it’s not your fault.
The best thing you can do is ask for help - whether it’s a parent, guardian or safe adult, tell someone. You are not alone. Even when it may seem like there is no hope of getting out, remember that there are resources out there that are designed to help. Do not hesitate to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888 and reach out to your local authorities.
As we pause for a day to pray for those enslaved and suppressed, consider finding a local organization that does work that you feel called to support. There are dozens of organizations around the country that do amazing work from prevention, to recovery, to rehabilitation to restoration. By supporting local organizations, you can disrupt the cycle.
Want to step up your game and raise awareness on your SM platforms too! Great!
Get resources here:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-human-trafficking-day/resources
For more information regarding human and sex trafficking and what you can do to break the cycle, take a look at the resources.
Sources:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-human-trafficking-day
https://www.missingkids.org/content/ncmec/en/ourwork/impact.html
bit.ly/3PyAuim
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
This April, we observe the 21st annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in five women will experience completed or attempted rape in their lifetime, and nearly one in four men will experience sexual violence. One in three women and one in four men who have experienced sexual assault or violence experience it between the ages of eleven and seventeen. In addition to the initial trauma, sexual assault can have numerous lasting effects including mental health disorders, addiction, and violence.
Sexual assault includes but is not limited to rape; sexual assault can be defined as any non-consensual sexual act, physical or verbal. According to RAINN, forms of sexual assault include “attempted rape… folding or unwanted sexual touching… forcing a victim to perform sexual acts…” In any healthy relationship, consent is crucial. Consent is an agreement between participants to engage in sexual activity and should be clearly and freely communicated.
In our increasingly digital age, sexual assault has found its way online, making it more pervasive than ever before. Being active online exposes men and women of all ages to unwanted sexual content. Some of the most common forms of online sexual assault are unwanted explicit messages, pictures, and requests of pictures. These can be spread through social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat, text message, and online dating apps such as Tinder and Hinge. Some preventative steps you can take with your online presence is making all your accounts private and only ‘friend’ people that you know. We at Paving the Way Foundation urge you to never share inappropriate pictures of yourself or others online because once a photo is sent, what happens to it is out of your control.
Clearly, sexual assault is an issue that plagues our society. In order to put a stop to something this harmful, we need to make sure that everyone knows about it, no matter how uncomfortable the topic may be. This is the exact purpose of observing Sexual Assault Awareness Month, once we are informed about the issue, we can work to break the cycle. It us up to us to educate our children and communities about the importance of consent and the repercussions that sexual assault has on survivors. Make it known that your community is a safe space for survivors and familiarize yourself with the National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1-800-656-4673.
Sources:
https://www.nsvrc.org/statistics
https://www.rainn.org/articles/sexual-assault
Sexual assault includes but is not limited to rape; sexual assault can be defined as any non-consensual sexual act, physical or verbal. According to RAINN, forms of sexual assault include “attempted rape… folding or unwanted sexual touching… forcing a victim to perform sexual acts…” In any healthy relationship, consent is crucial. Consent is an agreement between participants to engage in sexual activity and should be clearly and freely communicated.
In our increasingly digital age, sexual assault has found its way online, making it more pervasive than ever before. Being active online exposes men and women of all ages to unwanted sexual content. Some of the most common forms of online sexual assault are unwanted explicit messages, pictures, and requests of pictures. These can be spread through social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat, text message, and online dating apps such as Tinder and Hinge. Some preventative steps you can take with your online presence is making all your accounts private and only ‘friend’ people that you know. We at Paving the Way Foundation urge you to never share inappropriate pictures of yourself or others online because once a photo is sent, what happens to it is out of your control.
Clearly, sexual assault is an issue that plagues our society. In order to put a stop to something this harmful, we need to make sure that everyone knows about it, no matter how uncomfortable the topic may be. This is the exact purpose of observing Sexual Assault Awareness Month, once we are informed about the issue, we can work to break the cycle. It us up to us to educate our children and communities about the importance of consent and the repercussions that sexual assault has on survivors. Make it known that your community is a safe space for survivors and familiarize yourself with the National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1-800-656-4673.
Sources:
https://www.nsvrc.org/statistics
https://www.rainn.org/articles/sexual-assault
Women's History Month
Happy Women’s History Month! In March, we take time to celebrate the stories of impactful women who have influenced our history and society. Women have played a crucial role in our development from the beginning of time. Women’s History Month has its roots in Sonoma County, California in 1978, when the Commission on the Status of Women started a Women’s History Week centered around International Women’s Day. News of this celebration quickly spread to the surrounding counties, and eventually to Congress.
In 1980, President Carter issued a Presidential Proclamation designating the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Month. Soon, several states throughout America developed school curriculums that focused on the influence of American women. Finally, “in 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month in perpetuity.” Since then, a Presidential message has been issued every March celebrating the accomplishments of American women. This year’s theme is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope”, as an ode to the frontline workers of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Women’s influence in America can be traced all the way back to the birth of our nation. One such group of influential women were the Daughters of Liberty. These women banded together to boycott many British imports during the Revolutionary War, especially tea. They also decreased the Colonies’ reliance on England for textiles by holding ‘spinning bees’ where they made yarn and cloth. The Daughters helped with the war effort by supplying colonial soldiers with uniforms. While their husbands were away at war, many women stepped up to maintain the farms and run the businesses left behind by the men.
Throughout our nation’s history, women have continued to shape and pioneer discoveries in science, politics, art, sports, and more. Women in our nation have had to overcome many obstacles to not only live the lives they desired, but to also pave the way for a brighter future for everyone. One such woman was Patsy Mink. Mink was born in 1927 on the island of Maui as a third-generation Japanese American. After graduating top of her class in high school, Mink went on to the University of Nebraska. Facing racial discrimination and health issues, she returned back home to finish her education.
Patsy Mink graduated from the University of Hawaii in 1948 and after being rejected from several medical schools, settled at the University of Chicago to become a lawyer. Mink moved back to Hawaii with her husband and daughter, and despite passing the bar, was unable to find a job as a lawyer due to her interracial marriage. In response, Mink started her own firm. When Hawaii became a state in 1959, she campaigned for the Congress seat and was eventually successful. In 1964, Patsy Mink became the first woman of color and the first Asian-American woman to be elected to Congress. During her three terms as a U.S. Representative, ‘Mink fought for racial and gender equality, affordable childcare, bilingual education, and became a supporter of Title IX.”
Today, women and young girls are the biggest target for sex and human trafficking. According to UN statistics, 51% of trafficking victims are women and 20% are girls. As we take time to remember and celebrate the powerful women who have shaped the world we live in, we encourage you to also educate yourself about the women facing exploitation today. As always, if you see something, say something, and call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888.
Sources:
https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/patsy-mink
https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/womens-history-month/womens-history-month-history
https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2016/12/report-majority-of-trafficking-victims-are-women-and-girls-one-third-children/
In 1980, President Carter issued a Presidential Proclamation designating the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Month. Soon, several states throughout America developed school curriculums that focused on the influence of American women. Finally, “in 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month in perpetuity.” Since then, a Presidential message has been issued every March celebrating the accomplishments of American women. This year’s theme is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope”, as an ode to the frontline workers of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Women’s influence in America can be traced all the way back to the birth of our nation. One such group of influential women were the Daughters of Liberty. These women banded together to boycott many British imports during the Revolutionary War, especially tea. They also decreased the Colonies’ reliance on England for textiles by holding ‘spinning bees’ where they made yarn and cloth. The Daughters helped with the war effort by supplying colonial soldiers with uniforms. While their husbands were away at war, many women stepped up to maintain the farms and run the businesses left behind by the men.
Throughout our nation’s history, women have continued to shape and pioneer discoveries in science, politics, art, sports, and more. Women in our nation have had to overcome many obstacles to not only live the lives they desired, but to also pave the way for a brighter future for everyone. One such woman was Patsy Mink. Mink was born in 1927 on the island of Maui as a third-generation Japanese American. After graduating top of her class in high school, Mink went on to the University of Nebraska. Facing racial discrimination and health issues, she returned back home to finish her education.
Patsy Mink graduated from the University of Hawaii in 1948 and after being rejected from several medical schools, settled at the University of Chicago to become a lawyer. Mink moved back to Hawaii with her husband and daughter, and despite passing the bar, was unable to find a job as a lawyer due to her interracial marriage. In response, Mink started her own firm. When Hawaii became a state in 1959, she campaigned for the Congress seat and was eventually successful. In 1964, Patsy Mink became the first woman of color and the first Asian-American woman to be elected to Congress. During her three terms as a U.S. Representative, ‘Mink fought for racial and gender equality, affordable childcare, bilingual education, and became a supporter of Title IX.”
Today, women and young girls are the biggest target for sex and human trafficking. According to UN statistics, 51% of trafficking victims are women and 20% are girls. As we take time to remember and celebrate the powerful women who have shaped the world we live in, we encourage you to also educate yourself about the women facing exploitation today. As always, if you see something, say something, and call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888.
Sources:
https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/patsy-mink
https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/womens-history-month/womens-history-month-history
https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2016/12/report-majority-of-trafficking-victims-are-women-and-girls-one-third-children/
Black History Month
In February, we celebrate Black History Month to shine a spotlight on a culture of heroes that for so long remained unspoken. The origin of Black History Month dates back to 1915, when Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History to research and share the stories of influential and ignored African Americans. Starting with Gerald Ford in 1976, every United States president has “designated the month of February as Black History Month” (History.com). This month, we look to the brave leaders in the African American community and the work they have done to shape their culture and our nation.
During World War Two, President Franklin D. Roosevelt expanded the flight training in the U.S. military. At this time, the U.S. Armed Forces were still segregated, with many of those in power still holding the belief that African Americans were inferior. For this reason, they were also excluded from flight training. Rightfully infuriated, local Black newspapers banded with the NAACP to protest this grotesque violation of rights. Their protests worked, in 1940, Roosevelt announced a training facility for African American in Tuskegee, Alabama. In the end, “the Tuskegee program trained nearly 14,000 navigators, bombardiers, instructors, aircraft and engine mechanics, control operators…” (History.com).
Throughout the course of the war, the Tuskegee Airmen proved to be the most effective escort groups, losing only 25 aircrafts in more than 200 missions.
One of the most revered members of the Tuskegee Airmen was Colonel Charles McGee. McGee 409 missions, more than any other pilot in the Air Force, during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Following his career in the military, Charles McGee founded the Tuskegee Airmen Inc., which works to ensure that the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen is not forgotten. In 2020, Colonel McGee was honorarily promoted to Brigadier General and Honored in President Trump’s State of The Union Address.
It would be remised to talk about Black History Month without mentioning Harriet Tubman. Although Tubman is now a household name, her work to free captive slaves and influence on African American culture cannot be overstated. Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in 1822 and escaped to the North in 1849. She dedicated her life to helping more than 70 slaves escape captivity through a series of routes and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad.
Today, as we continue the fight for equality, we see a racial divide among those who are sex trafficked. Women of color are at the highest risk of being trafficked, with 40% of victims in the United States being African American and 24% being Latin.
The numbers are discouraging, but there is hope. We can all be modern day abolitionists by learning about the signs of human trafficking. Paving the Way Foundation offers plenty of great resources to get you educated and involved in the fight to end trafficking. If you see something, do something, and call the National Hotline for Human Trafficking, 1 (888) 373-7888.
Sources
https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month
https://www.history.com/news/6-renowned-tuskegee-airmen-davis-brown-mcgee
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/tuskegee-airmen
https://rights4girls.org/wp-content/uploads/r4g/2018/09/Racial-Justice-fact-sheet-Sept-2018-Final.pdf
During World War Two, President Franklin D. Roosevelt expanded the flight training in the U.S. military. At this time, the U.S. Armed Forces were still segregated, with many of those in power still holding the belief that African Americans were inferior. For this reason, they were also excluded from flight training. Rightfully infuriated, local Black newspapers banded with the NAACP to protest this grotesque violation of rights. Their protests worked, in 1940, Roosevelt announced a training facility for African American in Tuskegee, Alabama. In the end, “the Tuskegee program trained nearly 14,000 navigators, bombardiers, instructors, aircraft and engine mechanics, control operators…” (History.com).
Throughout the course of the war, the Tuskegee Airmen proved to be the most effective escort groups, losing only 25 aircrafts in more than 200 missions.
One of the most revered members of the Tuskegee Airmen was Colonel Charles McGee. McGee 409 missions, more than any other pilot in the Air Force, during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Following his career in the military, Charles McGee founded the Tuskegee Airmen Inc., which works to ensure that the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen is not forgotten. In 2020, Colonel McGee was honorarily promoted to Brigadier General and Honored in President Trump’s State of The Union Address.
It would be remised to talk about Black History Month without mentioning Harriet Tubman. Although Tubman is now a household name, her work to free captive slaves and influence on African American culture cannot be overstated. Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in 1822 and escaped to the North in 1849. She dedicated her life to helping more than 70 slaves escape captivity through a series of routes and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad.
Today, as we continue the fight for equality, we see a racial divide among those who are sex trafficked. Women of color are at the highest risk of being trafficked, with 40% of victims in the United States being African American and 24% being Latin.
The numbers are discouraging, but there is hope. We can all be modern day abolitionists by learning about the signs of human trafficking. Paving the Way Foundation offers plenty of great resources to get you educated and involved in the fight to end trafficking. If you see something, do something, and call the National Hotline for Human Trafficking, 1 (888) 373-7888.
Sources
https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month
https://www.history.com/news/6-renowned-tuskegee-airmen-davis-brown-mcgee
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/tuskegee-airmen
https://rights4girls.org/wp-content/uploads/r4g/2018/09/Racial-Justice-fact-sheet-Sept-2018-Final.pdf
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
In February, we observe Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Have you ever wondered what this is and why it matters? Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month was established by Presidential Proclamation in 2013. President Obama’s goal was to stop the cycle of abuse by drawing attention to it. This month, we can take time to educate ourselves and those around us about the impact of this devastating issue. This is the first step in putting a stop to this and protecting our youth. Once we are educated about the effects of teen dating violence, we can begin to fight against it.
Dating violence refers not only to physical but also emotional, financial, and online abuse. According to DoSomething.org, one in three girls and boys will experience some sort of dating violence, and only one third of these will report it. While dating violence crosses age and gender lines, young women are at the highest risk. Half of those who experience sexual abuse or violence will attempt suicide. Teenagers who experience dating violence are at a higher risk of alcoholism, drug use, and mental health issues. Abuse from a significant other, physical or mental, can lead to a lifetime of violence and unhealthy habits.
When you are in a relationship, there are several red flags that could signal that it is unhealthy. This can include excessive mood swings, gaslighting, extreme jealousy, controlling behaviors, threats, and more.
The facts are hard to hear, but they are important. The purpose of Teen Dating Awareness and Prevention Month is to bring this issue to the forefront of our minds so that we can take the proper actions to protect our youth. No issue can be solved if we are waiting on the sidelines, waiting for someone else to act. It is important to get involved in any way you can. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. Paving the Way Foundation offers numerous resources and training courses for both children and parents to make them aware of the dangers and what they can do to avoid and prevent them. We encourage you to share the facts you have learned with your family, friends, and local community. Make it known that this behavior is not tolerated, and that your community is a safe space to talk about such issues. The more that teenagers speak out about the violence they face, the more we can help them.
Not every story has to have a bad ending. A young girl, Sheree, shares her experience with other teenagers. Sheree was fifteen years old when she entered an abusive relationship. Her boyfriend not only sexually and physically assaulted her, but also emotionally abused and cyber stalked her. When her parents and school administrators forbid them from seeing each other, their friends would help them get in contact with each other. Because of this abusive relationship, Sheree’s mental health and education suffered. Even after her and her boyfriend broke up, Sheree still deals with anxiety and sleepless nights. However, she does not let this experience weigh her down. Instead, Sheree now uses her story to educate other teenagers about the dangers of teen dating violence.
Stories like Sheree’s should encourage us. If we speak up about teen dating violence, we can have hope to put an end to it. We can break this cycle, offer help and resources to those who have experienced abuse. The first step is to educate yourself and those around you. Make sure that your community is a safe space for those who might be experiencing dating violence.
If you think you are in an abusive relationship, don’t ignore the signs, reach out to someone you trust. We encourage you to seek immediate help by texting “lovies” to the National Dating Abuse Hotline at 1-866-331-9474.
See something, do something. Together, we can end the cycle of teen dating violence.
Sources:
https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-teen-dating-violence
https://youth.gov/feature-article/teen-dating-violence-awareness-and-prevention-month
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2013/01/31/presidential-proclamation-national-teen-dating-violence-awareness-and-pr
https://shelteringwings.org/2020/07/13/one-teens-story-of-intimate-partner-violence/
https://www.teendvmonth.org/resources/signs-teen-dating-violence/
January is Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month
It’s a new year, and what better way to kick it off than by taking initiative to become more involved in something as important as the spread of education and prevention of human exploitation?
Did you know the U.S. dedicates the entire month of January to spreading awareness about human trafficking? This impactful tradition began in 2010 by presidential decree in an effort to progress the positive impacts made on the fight to end exploitation all across the globe.
As you may already know, the human trafficking industry is one of the top grossing illegal industries in the entire world – it’s a multi-billion-dollar industry! The predators use many ways to lure in victims, force and coercion such as financial insecurity, manipulation, threats, or physical harm. Perpetrators usually target people for several reasons, most of them relating to a vulnerability. Those who experience mental or emotional distress, financial hardship, lack of social interaction, targeted; however, exploitation can happen to anyone no matter their socio, eco or demographic station in life.
Awareness starts with educating yourself, and then those around you. Paving The Way Foundations educational and training programs shine a light in the darkness of child exploitation and human trafficking. We are committed to sharing information on this topic and ways that you can join the fight against human trafficking not only during Human Trafficking Awareness Month, but the whole year through.
Education makes the biggest disruption in trafficking industry. The more we know about the industry, its tactics, and the signs of human trafficking, we reduce the potential number of people that are groomed, recruited and victimized.
We invite you to get involved. There are many ways to do so. You //volunteer for a non-profit organization that fights against human trafficking, like Paving The Way Foundation, or you can make a donation, too. The more support these organizations receive, the more equipped and able they are to spread awareness on a larger scale.
Requesting prevention education or child trafficking awareness courses or training within schools is a great way for children and school faculty to get equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to spot a predator and prevent a dangerous situation from arising. Here, at Paving The Way Foundation, we offer our own prevention education training for children of all ages that involves conversations about the dangers of human trafficking and online exploitation. We also provide students with skills and tactics that they can use in order to feel confident in their own safety and their ability to prevent themselves and a friend from being lured into potentially dangerous situations.
January is a month that reminds us of the overwhelming urgency to fight for the end of human exploitation. Though we encourage you to use this month to take some form of action towards the fight against trafficking, we want to motivate you to not let your advocacy end on January 31st. We hope this month inspires you to be a part of the disruption in the vicious trafficking industry for the long haul with us.
See something, say something. Together we can all shine a light in the darkness that is human trafficking.
https://dod.defense.gov/News/Special-Reports/0118_National-Slavery-Human-Trafficking-Prevention-Month/
https://www.state.gov/national-slavery-and-human-trafficking-prevention-month/#:~:text=January%20is%20National%20Slavery%20and,and%20how%20to%20spot%20it.
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/otip/about/what-human-trafficking
http://inourbackyard.org/10-ways-to-fight-ht/
Did you know the U.S. dedicates the entire month of January to spreading awareness about human trafficking? This impactful tradition began in 2010 by presidential decree in an effort to progress the positive impacts made on the fight to end exploitation all across the globe.
As you may already know, the human trafficking industry is one of the top grossing illegal industries in the entire world – it’s a multi-billion-dollar industry! The predators use many ways to lure in victims, force and coercion such as financial insecurity, manipulation, threats, or physical harm. Perpetrators usually target people for several reasons, most of them relating to a vulnerability. Those who experience mental or emotional distress, financial hardship, lack of social interaction, targeted; however, exploitation can happen to anyone no matter their socio, eco or demographic station in life.
Awareness starts with educating yourself, and then those around you. Paving The Way Foundations educational and training programs shine a light in the darkness of child exploitation and human trafficking. We are committed to sharing information on this topic and ways that you can join the fight against human trafficking not only during Human Trafficking Awareness Month, but the whole year through.
Education makes the biggest disruption in trafficking industry. The more we know about the industry, its tactics, and the signs of human trafficking, we reduce the potential number of people that are groomed, recruited and victimized.
We invite you to get involved. There are many ways to do so. You //volunteer for a non-profit organization that fights against human trafficking, like Paving The Way Foundation, or you can make a donation, too. The more support these organizations receive, the more equipped and able they are to spread awareness on a larger scale.
Requesting prevention education or child trafficking awareness courses or training within schools is a great way for children and school faculty to get equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to spot a predator and prevent a dangerous situation from arising. Here, at Paving The Way Foundation, we offer our own prevention education training for children of all ages that involves conversations about the dangers of human trafficking and online exploitation. We also provide students with skills and tactics that they can use in order to feel confident in their own safety and their ability to prevent themselves and a friend from being lured into potentially dangerous situations.
January is a month that reminds us of the overwhelming urgency to fight for the end of human exploitation. Though we encourage you to use this month to take some form of action towards the fight against trafficking, we want to motivate you to not let your advocacy end on January 31st. We hope this month inspires you to be a part of the disruption in the vicious trafficking industry for the long haul with us.
See something, say something. Together we can all shine a light in the darkness that is human trafficking.
https://dod.defense.gov/News/Special-Reports/0118_National-Slavery-Human-Trafficking-Prevention-Month/
https://www.state.gov/national-slavery-and-human-trafficking-prevention-month/#:~:text=January%20is%20National%20Slavery%20and,and%20how%20to%20spot%20it.
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/otip/about/what-human-trafficking
http://inourbackyard.org/10-ways-to-fight-ht/
Universal Children's Day/Lights on For Children
November 20th marks Universal Children’s Day, an important celebration of our children and a call for advocacy towards the assurance of our children’s well-being worldwide. Have you ever wondered when Universal Children’s Day started and what’s so important about it?
The reason for the specific date of November 20th is due to a historically important event that occurred on this date in 1959. On November 20th, 1959, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Children. This declaration defines a child’s legal right to obtaining shelter, protection, education, and health care. Later on this same date in 1989, the United Nations adopted what is called the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This declares and upholds the same legal rights of children that are described in the previous declaration in 1959; however, the Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most widely accepted and utilized childs’ rights advocacy program internationally. Universal Children’s Day is a reminder for all to abide by these two declarations, and to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare.
The purpose of Universal Children’s Day is extremely relevant in the fight to end the child exploitation industry. Child exploitation is one of the largest illegal industries in existence all around the globe. The termination of this industry is a high priority for the well-being and safety of our children not only in our lifetime, but in the future, as well.
There are many ways we can all do our part for both Universal Children’s Day and in the fight against child exploitation. For parents, it is crucial for your child to feel confident and in charge of their own safety and well-being. Having a conversation about child exploitation will make a huge impact in their future safety and their sense of support from their loved ones. When a child grows up feeling empowered in their self-worth and their ability to avoid dangerous situations such as instances of child trafficking, that is one less child at risk of being victimized.
Parents are not the only group that can have a big impact on the journey to empower and educate our children. Another effective way to advocate and educate children about the importance of their safety is through education in their own schools! Having prevention education implemented within schools is a powerful method that can provide your child with the right tools and skills that allow them to take charge of their own safety if in a dangerous situation.
Here at Paving The Way Foundation, we have an annual event in support of Universal Children’s Day called Lights On For Children! Every year on November 20th, we shine a light in the darkness that is child exploitation by illuminating our front porches with a blue light bulb at sundown. This is to symbolize how we support and will continuously fight for the safety of our youth. You can also participate in Lights On For Children and Universal Children’s Day this month by shining a blue light with us! Let’s all take initiative to spread awareness about this silent crime throughout our communities to cause a disruption within the child exploitation industry. It may seem like a simple act, but it could be an action that saves a child’s life. Let’s all come together to empower our youth by disrupting this harmful cycle.
You can learn more about Lights On For Children here.
Sources:
https://www.savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/universal-childrens-day
https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-childrens-day
https://www.unicefusa.org/press/releases/unicef-spotlight-hidden-violence-and-abuse-universal-children%E2%80%99s-day/8322
https://www.unicef.org/world-childrens-day#action
The reason for the specific date of November 20th is due to a historically important event that occurred on this date in 1959. On November 20th, 1959, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Children. This declaration defines a child’s legal right to obtaining shelter, protection, education, and health care. Later on this same date in 1989, the United Nations adopted what is called the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This declares and upholds the same legal rights of children that are described in the previous declaration in 1959; however, the Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most widely accepted and utilized childs’ rights advocacy program internationally. Universal Children’s Day is a reminder for all to abide by these two declarations, and to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare.
The purpose of Universal Children’s Day is extremely relevant in the fight to end the child exploitation industry. Child exploitation is one of the largest illegal industries in existence all around the globe. The termination of this industry is a high priority for the well-being and safety of our children not only in our lifetime, but in the future, as well.
There are many ways we can all do our part for both Universal Children’s Day and in the fight against child exploitation. For parents, it is crucial for your child to feel confident and in charge of their own safety and well-being. Having a conversation about child exploitation will make a huge impact in their future safety and their sense of support from their loved ones. When a child grows up feeling empowered in their self-worth and their ability to avoid dangerous situations such as instances of child trafficking, that is one less child at risk of being victimized.
Parents are not the only group that can have a big impact on the journey to empower and educate our children. Another effective way to advocate and educate children about the importance of their safety is through education in their own schools! Having prevention education implemented within schools is a powerful method that can provide your child with the right tools and skills that allow them to take charge of their own safety if in a dangerous situation.
Here at Paving The Way Foundation, we have an annual event in support of Universal Children’s Day called Lights On For Children! Every year on November 20th, we shine a light in the darkness that is child exploitation by illuminating our front porches with a blue light bulb at sundown. This is to symbolize how we support and will continuously fight for the safety of our youth. You can also participate in Lights On For Children and Universal Children’s Day this month by shining a blue light with us! Let’s all take initiative to spread awareness about this silent crime throughout our communities to cause a disruption within the child exploitation industry. It may seem like a simple act, but it could be an action that saves a child’s life. Let’s all come together to empower our youth by disrupting this harmful cycle.
You can learn more about Lights On For Children here.
Sources:
https://www.savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/universal-childrens-day
https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-childrens-day
https://www.unicefusa.org/press/releases/unicef-spotlight-hidden-violence-and-abuse-universal-children%E2%80%99s-day/8322
https://www.unicef.org/world-childrens-day#action
The Importance of Prevention Education
Human trafficking is one of the highest-grossing illegal industries across the globe. Though trafficking is so widespread, it is still considered such a silent crime. How can that be? What is the most effective way to put a stop to the continuation of trafficking? The answer to the question is prevention education.
An article from UC Santa Barbara defines prevention education as “education comprehension” that focuses on “the root causes” of various types of violence and abuse and the tools and strategies to “prevent violence before it occurs.” Prevention education is a powerful tool in the fight against human trafficking because (1) it allows us to feel confident in our ability to sense when ourselves and others are in a dangerous situation, (2) and provides us with the skills to navigate our way out of those situations or to prevent those situations from happening at all. Having the confidence and skills in our own hands is crucial for everyone’s safety in terms of human trafficking, but it is especially crucial for children and young adults who make up the largest margin of human trafficking targets. There are numerous ways to help in the fight against human trafficking; however, teaching children and young adults about how to prevent themselves from being victims of this silent crime is most impactful because it acts as a strong blockade between them and trafficking predators.
Did you know that Florida is the third highest state with the most human trafficking rates? To change this statistic, Florida has grown to lead the entire nation in the promotion and education of human trafficking prevention across hundreds of schools and communities. Florida’s commitment to prevention education empowers children and adults in schools to learn how to detect and avoid exploitation and abuse. Children and young adults who feel empowered are less likely to become victimized because prevention education shows them what to look for and how to stay safe..
Human trafficking is a hard topic to talk about, especially from a parent to their own child. Nevertheless, having these conversations is vital for a child to know how to protect themselves if a situation arises for their safety and for their sense of empowerment and that their parents are a safe place to go should something happen.
One of the best environments for children and young adults to learn prevention strategies is at their school, which is also a common place children are groomed and recruited.
Prevention education at schools can dismantle and highly impact a predators’ ability to victimize children, and decrease in the number of trafficking victims because their targeted demographic has been equipped with the knowledge about predatory signs and strategies and how to combat them. Schools are one of the most significant environments where children’s mental and emotional development are most malleable, thus, combating victimization with education and empowerment at a young age makes all the difference in our youth’s safety and livelihood.
The use of prevention education has the ability to be a safety net for millions of our children and young adults and can keep them from being victimized.
Here at Paving The Way Foundation, we recognize how valuable education is for the livelihood and safety of our children, which is why we provide prevention education. Our EMPOWER© program provides children with knowledge about the human trafficking industry, the grooming and recruitment process, along with the steps they can take in order to prevent themselves and others from being a victim.
60% of the children surveyed after our programs said that they’ve shared what they learned with others.
38% said that our training helped them avoid a dangerous situation. Our program has continuously aided our youth in taking charge of their own safety.
Children are our future and their safety deserves to be prioritized. Change starts with awareness and education. Let’s all do our part to end the vicious cycle that is human trafficking, starting with empowering ourselves and our loved ones by having the skills to shine a light on the darkness that is human trafficking. Educate. Empower. Prevent.
Sources:
https://care.ucsb.edu/prevention
https://www.ascd.org/blogs/why-education-is-the-greatest-human-trafficking-prevention-tool
https://kidsafefoundation.org/topics/q-florida-mandates-child-trafficking-prevention-education-what-does-this-mean-for-our-young-children/
An article from UC Santa Barbara defines prevention education as “education comprehension” that focuses on “the root causes” of various types of violence and abuse and the tools and strategies to “prevent violence before it occurs.” Prevention education is a powerful tool in the fight against human trafficking because (1) it allows us to feel confident in our ability to sense when ourselves and others are in a dangerous situation, (2) and provides us with the skills to navigate our way out of those situations or to prevent those situations from happening at all. Having the confidence and skills in our own hands is crucial for everyone’s safety in terms of human trafficking, but it is especially crucial for children and young adults who make up the largest margin of human trafficking targets. There are numerous ways to help in the fight against human trafficking; however, teaching children and young adults about how to prevent themselves from being victims of this silent crime is most impactful because it acts as a strong blockade between them and trafficking predators.
Did you know that Florida is the third highest state with the most human trafficking rates? To change this statistic, Florida has grown to lead the entire nation in the promotion and education of human trafficking prevention across hundreds of schools and communities. Florida’s commitment to prevention education empowers children and adults in schools to learn how to detect and avoid exploitation and abuse. Children and young adults who feel empowered are less likely to become victimized because prevention education shows them what to look for and how to stay safe..
Human trafficking is a hard topic to talk about, especially from a parent to their own child. Nevertheless, having these conversations is vital for a child to know how to protect themselves if a situation arises for their safety and for their sense of empowerment and that their parents are a safe place to go should something happen.
One of the best environments for children and young adults to learn prevention strategies is at their school, which is also a common place children are groomed and recruited.
Prevention education at schools can dismantle and highly impact a predators’ ability to victimize children, and decrease in the number of trafficking victims because their targeted demographic has been equipped with the knowledge about predatory signs and strategies and how to combat them. Schools are one of the most significant environments where children’s mental and emotional development are most malleable, thus, combating victimization with education and empowerment at a young age makes all the difference in our youth’s safety and livelihood.
The use of prevention education has the ability to be a safety net for millions of our children and young adults and can keep them from being victimized.
Here at Paving The Way Foundation, we recognize how valuable education is for the livelihood and safety of our children, which is why we provide prevention education. Our EMPOWER© program provides children with knowledge about the human trafficking industry, the grooming and recruitment process, along with the steps they can take in order to prevent themselves and others from being a victim.
60% of the children surveyed after our programs said that they’ve shared what they learned with others.
38% said that our training helped them avoid a dangerous situation. Our program has continuously aided our youth in taking charge of their own safety.
Children are our future and their safety deserves to be prioritized. Change starts with awareness and education. Let’s all do our part to end the vicious cycle that is human trafficking, starting with empowering ourselves and our loved ones by having the skills to shine a light on the darkness that is human trafficking. Educate. Empower. Prevent.
Sources:
https://care.ucsb.edu/prevention
https://www.ascd.org/blogs/why-education-is-the-greatest-human-trafficking-prevention-tool
https://kidsafefoundation.org/topics/q-florida-mandates-child-trafficking-prevention-education-what-does-this-mean-for-our-young-children/
Effects of Isolation on Teen Mental Health
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine, all of our lives have shifted in ways we never imagined, our ability to socially interact with our peers and loved ones being one of these ways. These circumstances created the perfect storm that has impacted our teens' mental health. They’ve come to know the feeling of isolation, and are one of the groups that has been the most affected.
Because of the limitations on our ability to socially interact face to face, there has been a significant rise in mental health struggles in the lives of our teenagers. But, why has quarantine been so hard on the lives of teenagers? In this digital age, social media has taken up a large portion of our teens’ social interactions, so they’re adjusting pretty well to having more online interaction, right?
At their age, social interaction is crucial in order for them to develop their identities, personalities, personal relationships, communication skills, and so on. The lack of development can cause feelings of being stagnant, which may turn into feelings of anxiety. Overall, isolation has caused teenagers to lose their sense of normalcy, which leads to feeling anxious, confused, and depressed.
In the recent months, there was an extensive amount of reports stating these very things. The Society for Research in Child Development states that teens depend on their relationships built in school not only as a form of companionship, but also as a form of a distraction or mode of defense against already existing daily anxieties. The increase in feelings of depression and anxiety in teens has also affected academic performance. Many teenagers have stated their lack of motivation or interest in participating in their courses ever since classrooms moved from face to face to being on a computer screen. Extracurricular activities including clubs and sports teams have been moved to online or indefinitely postponed, further limiting the abilities of social and communication development.
Parents of teenagers have expressed how helpless they feel in terms of how to help their child through these trying times. It’s also common that parents themselves have been experiencing the same feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and confusion as their child. So, what can parents do to help their child?
To start, it’s beneficial for parents to recognize and acknowledge their own feelings and reactions about what they are going through. Co-regulating their own feelings with that of their teen may help their child to (1) not feel alone, and since children and teens have not fully learned and developed coping skills, (2) it would be beneficial and comforting for them to observe how someone they love and trust is coping with their feelings. Having someone as important in your life such as a parent shows that they relate to what you’re experiencing and feeling provides a feeling of comfort and may make the feeling of loneliness not seem as intense.
It is important to acknowledge and understand the state of our youth’s mental and emotional health in order for us to know how to comfort and educate not only them, but ourselves, as well, on how to cope and feel connected to each other during these difficult and confusing times. Find a mental health counselor or group to get the assistance you and your teens may need right now. We can no longer ignore the growing trend of teen depression, suicide attempts and body harming. Talk to your kids. Create a support system. We will get through this - it just takes a willingness to speak up and out.
Because of the limitations on our ability to socially interact face to face, there has been a significant rise in mental health struggles in the lives of our teenagers. But, why has quarantine been so hard on the lives of teenagers? In this digital age, social media has taken up a large portion of our teens’ social interactions, so they’re adjusting pretty well to having more online interaction, right?
At their age, social interaction is crucial in order for them to develop their identities, personalities, personal relationships, communication skills, and so on. The lack of development can cause feelings of being stagnant, which may turn into feelings of anxiety. Overall, isolation has caused teenagers to lose their sense of normalcy, which leads to feeling anxious, confused, and depressed.
In the recent months, there was an extensive amount of reports stating these very things. The Society for Research in Child Development states that teens depend on their relationships built in school not only as a form of companionship, but also as a form of a distraction or mode of defense against already existing daily anxieties. The increase in feelings of depression and anxiety in teens has also affected academic performance. Many teenagers have stated their lack of motivation or interest in participating in their courses ever since classrooms moved from face to face to being on a computer screen. Extracurricular activities including clubs and sports teams have been moved to online or indefinitely postponed, further limiting the abilities of social and communication development.
Parents of teenagers have expressed how helpless they feel in terms of how to help their child through these trying times. It’s also common that parents themselves have been experiencing the same feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and confusion as their child. So, what can parents do to help their child?
To start, it’s beneficial for parents to recognize and acknowledge their own feelings and reactions about what they are going through. Co-regulating their own feelings with that of their teen may help their child to (1) not feel alone, and since children and teens have not fully learned and developed coping skills, (2) it would be beneficial and comforting for them to observe how someone they love and trust is coping with their feelings. Having someone as important in your life such as a parent shows that they relate to what you’re experiencing and feeling provides a feeling of comfort and may make the feeling of loneliness not seem as intense.
It is important to acknowledge and understand the state of our youth’s mental and emotional health in order for us to know how to comfort and educate not only them, but ourselves, as well, on how to cope and feel connected to each other during these difficult and confusing times. Find a mental health counselor or group to get the assistance you and your teens may need right now. We can no longer ignore the growing trend of teen depression, suicide attempts and body harming. Talk to your kids. Create a support system. We will get through this - it just takes a willingness to speak up and out.
We invite you to get involved!
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Join the fight and become a Mission Ambassador!
Partner with us and make a Donation!
Click on the button below!