Open Communication - Tips for Kids Age 10-13

The average age of entry into the commercial sex market is 12 years old. From the age of 10 to 13, kids go through a lot of changes, and parents need to work to keep the lines of communication open and have the hard conversations to keep their kids safe.

Topics:

• A full "Sex Talk" should be addressed by age 10 because most children are starting to be exposed to it through social media, television, or by friends. Make sure that you have an open, honest conversation with your child.

• Reiterate the importance of consent.

• Talk frankly about the dangers in sharing nude or sexually explicit photos of themselves.

• Talk about how sexual predators might approach them on social media, at the mall, or even at school.

• Discuss the dangers of pornography and how your child should respond when they see something that makes them feel uncomfortable.

Activities:

• Store safe numbers in your child's phone, the 3 to 5 people they can call for any emergency. Create a device policy, discuss it with your child, and have them sign it.

• Figure out where your kid is comfortable opening up to you (ex. on a walk, driving to school, etc.) and carve out intentional time with your kid--let them talk and you listen. #SafeTalk #Consent #EndIt #EndItMovement #FreedomRequiresAction