Area schools to host social media safety presentations

January is over, but there is still much to be done in the Ozarks in terms of awareness and prevention of human trafficking. During Human Trafficking Awareness Month in January, several Missouri groups held focused events to increase public knowledge of this horrific crime. Pathways Project Coalition of the Ozarks is continuing the work in Stone County by partnering with the Stop Trafficking Project, with assistance from Skaggs Foundation and Helping Hands of Stone Soup, to bring social media safety presentations to two area school districts in February. 

On Monday, February 24, Russ Tuttle will present “Technology and Life Online” at Reeds Spring Middle School auditorium, 345 Morrill Lane in Reeds Spring. From 6 to 7:30 p.m., caring adults are invited to learn practical tips to keep kids safe online. 

Crane R-III School District will host Tuttle’s presentation on Thursday, February 27, in the Library and Media Center, located at 209 Pirate Lane in Crane. 

Many adults do not realize that at least 43% of kids ages eight through 13, when asked, report talking to strangers online via social media and online gaming platforms. People tend to think of creepy vehicles and kidnapping as the way people become trapped in the sex industry; but social media has become the primary entry point. Traffickers watch for vulnerabilities youth unwittingly share about their life at home or school, and then target those children and teens purporting to be an understanding “friend” who sympathizes with the child’s concerns. 

Tuttle’s presentation will help equip adults by 

• Providing insight into the role of technology in exploiting kids’ vulnerabilities; 

• Teaching how to identify the high-demand business of sexual exploitation; 

• Providing a “top ten” list of practical tips for keeping children safer; 

• Familiarizing adults with potentially risky apps as well as apps that can help with vigilance. 

Who should attend this safety presentation? Basically, any adult who is ever in a position of responsibility for children: 

• Law enforcement, firefighters and EMTs 

• Medical personnel 

• Counselors 

• School personnel 

• Youth group sponsors at churches or nonprofits 

• Parents, guardians and adult family members  

As one parent put it after attending a presentation, “[Tuttle] talked about how smartphones can open the door for kids to explore the entire world, but I got the chills when you mentioned that we are also exposing the entire world to our children.” 

Mark your calendar now and don’t miss out on this valuable information.