Caveat – Recently, we helped a family whose young teenage daughter was almost lost to the streets and those who prey on the innocence and naivety of youth. Unfortunately, Darren has encountered this scenario many times in his past policing career. What has changed, however, is the role of online accessibility, which now serves as a gateway, that can sometimes lead young teens unknowingly down a perilous path of exploitation with the promise of easy money.
As a parent, it’s our worst nightmare to think of our child being taken advantage of sexually by those who prey on the innocence of youth. Unfortunately, this is a reality that many families face, and it’s an online trend that’s becoming increasingly common among some young teen girls, no matter what their socio-economic status or family environment.
In recent years, we have seen a concerning trend emerging online among young teen girls, who are engaging in high-risk sexualized online behaviors, that can put their safety, health, and futures at significant risk. Understanding this trend is crucial for parents, educators, and communities to take appropriate actions to safeguard these vulnerable teens.
In the incident that sparked this article, a young teen girl from a stable and supportive home was convinced by a friend from school to sell feet pictures online (1), which seemed harmless at first, but the money was good – she was able to buy things for herself that her parents would not, such as clothing, makeup, and jewelry. However, this online sexualized behaviour quickly escalated into trading more intimate pictures for higher amounts of money, which then next led to providing sex for material goods and favors with older teen boys at her school, and then with other younger men in her city.
Despite her parent’s attempts to help, the teen was captured by the perceived freedom and financial benefits of what she thought were her entrepreneurial online activities. This created a rift between her and her family and as a result, she started couch surfing, initially staying with friends but eventually with older males. She started trading sex for a place to stay, often ending up in the homes or hotel rooms of drug dealers, gang members, or other dangerous individuals such as commercialized sex traffickers (pimps). During these stays, which lasted from a few days to a few weeks, she faced further exploitation, abuse, violence, and exposure to drugs, which ultimately led her down the road to addiction.
This all too common story is a wake-up call for all of us. As parents, guardians, and community members, we must be aware of these online trends and understand that this can easily happen to any family.
It is important for parents, guardians, and community members to be aware of these online trends, understand their underlying causes, and recognize their potential consequences. Open communication with children about the dangers of such behaviors, along with fostering a supportive and rule-based home environment, can serve as protective factors. Schools and community organizations should implement educational programs that address the risks associated with trading sex for goods and services, while at the same time providing resources and support to help at-risk youth find safer and more constructive ways to meet their needs.
Professional intervention and counseling services are essential for young girls already involved in these behaviors, offering a safe space to discuss their experiences and providing mental health support to help them break the cycle of exploitation, violence, and addiction. Once caught in this financial trap, creating environments where young girls feel safe, valued, and supported is key. This includes fostering positive relationships with trusted adults, promoting self-esteem and resilience, and ensuring access to education and extracurricular activities. However, this may still not be good enough to escape the predicament they have found themselves in.
The story of this young teen girl who fell prey to online exploitation is a heart-wrenching reminder of the dangers that can start in the online world. It’s a stark reality that many families face, and it’s crucial that we take action to protect our children when online. As parents, guardians, and community members, we must be aware of the online trends that can lead to exploitation and understand their underlying causes.
By recognizing the early warning signs and taking proactive steps, we can minimize the risks to our children from falling into the trap of easy money and exploitation. Open communication, education, and support are key to safeguarding our teens. We must create environments where young girls feel safe, valued, and supported, and provide them with the tools they need to make informed choices.
The issues and challenges faced by young teen girls engaging in high-risk online sexual behaviors are complex and multifaceted. It requires a coordinated effort from parents, educators, community leaders, and policymakers to address these dangers effectively. By raising awareness, providing support, and creating safe environments, we can help protect our young girls from exploitation and guide them toward a brighter and safer future.
Lastly, educate yourself and your teen about online safety and exploitation. We have written a whole chapter in our free webbook for parents, caregivers, and educators on the topics discussed in this blog article. (2)(3)
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The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Feelings, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Technology vs No Technology!
References:
1/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/yes-some-youth-are-making-money-from-feet-pics-but-is-it-legal/
2/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/online-sexual-predation-and-exploitation/
3/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/intimate-images-nudes-sexting-deepfakes-and-sugaring/
