Child sexual abuse is a deeply personal and painful topic, and it’s one that’s even more alarming today as predators move online. The dangers lurking in the digital world are real, and no child is immune. Roo Powell, the founder of Safe from Online Sex Abuse (SOSA), and her team have exposed just how quickly and extensively predators target children on the internet. Using a fake profile, Powell’s team saw the disturbing volume and speed of abusive messages — an experience that eventually led to a federal sex abuse case.
The reality is chilling: predators can be anyone, even trusted professionals like teachers or medical workers. They use manipulative tactics to gain a child’s trust, often starting with harmless-seeming requests before escalating to more dangerous demands.
As parents, it’s crucial to take steps to protect children from these dangers. Start by having open, honest conversations about online risks, educating kids about red flags, and setting clear boundaries around screen time and internet use. With these precautions, we can help ensure our kids’ safety in the digital world.
For more information on keeping your child safe online and resources for those affected, read this full article “Every parent should read this“.
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