World Vision USA’s Post

A new bill was recently passed in MA, "The Act to Prevent Abuse and Exploitation," stating that even though a person may have taken a nude photo or video of themselves, that does not give others permission to distribute it or to threaten share it. Doing so may now result in criminal charges. "The Act to Prevent Abuse and Exploitation" establishes and extends protections for survivors, including (but not limited to): - Prohibiting image-based sexual assault (including “revenge porn” and/or “computer-generated images,” also known as “deepfakes”), - Increasing the fines for criminal harassment convictions, - Including “coercive control” (an abuse tactic commonly used by exploiters online) within the legal definition of “abuse," and - Emphasizing the need for age-appropriate internet safety training throughout all stages of youth. Learn more about this new law, how the CAC responds to online exploitation cases, and our online safety resources here: https://buff.ly/4dCNtLZ Office of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey Suffolk County District Attorney's Office (Massachusetts) #ChildAdvocacy #RevengePorn #ChildProtection #ChildSafety #SuffolkCounty #SuffolkCAC #ChildrensAdvocacyCenter #OnlineSafety #SocialMediaSafety #VideogameSafety #SocialMedia #Videogames #StopSextortion #StopBlockTalk #EndExploitation

The involvement of young children in criminal activities is becoming an urgent issue and although it has been researched before, it is imperative we find a solution and then implement it soon. This blog post sheds light on why this is happening and how we can address it. Join the discussion and read more: https://wix.to/zxI8NsW #ChildSafety #CriminalJustice #Awareness #childabduction #childcrime #crime

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🚨 Protecting Nebraska's Youth from Human Trafficking 🚨 Human trafficking is a hidden but serious threat to our youth, particularly girls. In Nebraska, the legal definition of "youth" includes anyone under the age of 19. Here's what that means in the fight against trafficking: 👉 Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals for labor or sex. 👉 Under U.S. law, youth under 18 involved in commercial sex are automatically considered victims of trafficking—no consent or coercion is needed. Raising awareness is a crucial first step in the fight against trafficking. Let’s stay informed, stay vigilant, and protect our youth, especially our girls. 💙 #HumanTraffickingAwareness #NebraskaYouth #ProtectOurGirls Sources: Operation Underground Railroad, U.S. Department of Justice

This is a prime example of "If they want to, they will". Chris Minns will be taking "tough action" on raising the age of social media users but raising the age of criminal responsibility is "not on the Government's agenda". He claims that young people are not old enough to be exposed to the harms of social media yet believes that 10 year olds are old enough to be exposed to the horrific circumstances of the carceral system. Despite ongoing rhetoric from Chris Minns that the Government has no choice around the age of criminal responsibility and the new bail laws, he has now clearly demonstrated how much choice they really have. If the government is serious about protecting children and young people from harm and is dedicated to keeping them safe, they absolutely can CHOOSE to apply a "tough" approach to change legislation across all domains. They can also choose to stop listening to policy advisors sitting in ivory towers and start listening to frontline practitioners and young people on the ground. This is the system doing exactly what it is designed to do. #oppression #injustice #childprotection #youngpeople #systemicfailures #politics #bureaucracy #systemschange #youthled #communityled

via Defend Young Minds We share #DefendYoungMinds post because we are also deeply concerned with the decision of Germany's Parliament to remove '#possession of #child #sexual #abuse #materials (#CSAM)' as a criminal offense. This means that the country's Criminal Code will no longer include the section related to #child #pornography. As a result, minimum sentencing for possession of CSAM will be reduced, and the criminal charge will become a misdemeanor once the bill takes effect. ℹ️ https://bit.ly/4avkLLd ⚠️ Overall, this vote sends harmful messages about child safety, potentially endangering vulnerable children and undermining efforts to combat exploitation and protect their rights. Protecting our children should always be a top priority - including stronger measures to ensure their safety and well-being. Share this post to stand with us against decriminalizing the possession of CSAM. #internetsafety #digitalsafety #parentalcontrols #pornographyprevention #AIMCnews #ParentalitéNumérique #SécuritéEnLigne #Tech #ProtectionEnfance #ContrôleParental #écrans #InternetDangers #Europe via www.defendyoungminds.com

Taking away internet access entirely because a child made a mistake online rarely solves the problem. Taking away access can isolate them from their support system of friends and family. Try ways of giving consequences that don’t involve completely taking away their online access. Consider limiting their time online for gaming or socializing, or only allowing online activities in public areas of your home. Talk to them about how to better protect themselves and respect others online. If your child is dealing with cyberbullies or potential online enticement, report it to the website, cell phone provider, law enforcement or CyberTipline.org. Learn more https://bit.ly/3neN6Py #CTF #ChildrensTrustFund #onlinesafety #childsafety #Internetsafety #recovery #addiction #support #prevention #sober #soberlife #sobriety #bhamrecovery #Birmingham #APC #endaddictionbham

The Supreme Court of Canada’s recent decision, requiring law enforcement to obtain a warrant before accessing an IP address, is a setback for child protection. The evidence is clear: online child sexual exploitation is increasing, with new threats emerging constantly. The Court’s ruling introduces additional obstacles to an already overwhelmed system, delaying crucial interventions that can mean the difference between a child’s safety and a predator’s escape. Canadian lawmakers must take immediate action to equip law enforcement with the necessary tools to protect children online. We are past the tipping point – the time to act is now. Read more in my article with the Toronto Star: https://lnkd.in/eaRMEn6Z

We welcome the Supreme Court's decision to discontinue the use of the term ‘child pornography’ in judicial orders, replacing it with ‘Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material’ (CSEAM). The term ‘child pornography’ misrepresents the gravity of the crime and trivializes the exploitation and abuse. In contrast, CSEAM acknowledges the full extent of harm, encompassing not only the trauma of the act but also the long-term psychological impact. This change is crucial because it shapes how society perceives and addresses these crimes, influencing everything from public discourse to law enforcement actions. It’s not just about changing words—it’s about deepening understanding, shifting mindsets, and driving meaningful action to protect children. What do you think of this change? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Grateful for Martin drawing attention to this poor reporting about a poor SPA report. The press are right to focus on the different rates of use of force according to age. It is puzzling why that should be, especially against a background where Police Scotland compares favourably with the rest of the UK. Taser use on under 18s - 0.14 per 10,000 population in Scotland versus 2.0 in England & Wales Searches on under 18s - 46 per 10,000 population in Scotland versus 91 in England & Wales Use of force on under 18s - 15.7 per 10,000 population in Scotland versus 41 in England & Wales Arrests of under 18s in Scotland - 49.8 per 10,000 population compared with 180 per 10,000 for all age groups. Searches of under 18s in Scotland - 46 per 10,000 population compared with 68 per 10,000 for all age groups. In short, under 18s are less likely to be searched or arrested than older people in Scotland. They are also less likely to experience the use of force or be searched than similar age groups in the rest of the UK. As for the SPA report - what about outcomes? Are under 18s more or less likely than other age groups/other parts of the UK to be victims of crime or perpetrators of crime? I have no idea - it’s not in the report. I also can’t stop thinking about Keith Rollinson, the Elgin bus driver who was killed by a teenager in a frenzied attack who received a sentence of 4 years this week. Mibbes there should be a bus driver commissioner.