“Committed to ending modern-day slavery and sexual exploitation by raising awareness through the media and grassroots mobilization, education, advocacy and policy.”
WARNING: This newsletter may be disturbing because it’s true.
Dear Warrior:
Invisibility: The state of being ignored or not taken into consideration. Divisibility: The capacity of being divided, separated.
FACT: We know that children are being exposed to social media at younger and younger ages each year. Kids, with 11 percent getting their first account when they were younger than 10 while 39 percent did so between the ages of 10 and 12. Why won’t our government do a better job protecting them online?
1998.The last time an online child safety bill was passed in Congress. It started being used in practice in 1999. The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998(COPPA) is a federal law that imposes specific requirements on operators of websites and online services to protect the privacy of children under 13. The Act was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1998 and officially law in April 2000.
2022. COPPA 2.0.Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act.(COPPA 2.0) Introduced in 2021 which amends the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 to strengthen protections related to the online collection, use and disclosure of personal information of children and minors up to age 16. As of March 2023, COPPA 2.0 is waiting in the wings of Congress.
Let’s Learn More
COPPA 2.0 has successfully made it out of committee and is awaiting a vote on the Senate floor. Why are we facing such hurdles with this seemingly no-brainer, designed to keep kids safe bipartisan bill? What do you think?
COPPA 2.0
Prohibit Internet companies from collecting personal information from 13- to 16-year-olds without the user’s consent
Ban targeted marketing to children
Create an online “eraser button” that would enable users to eliminate personal information from a child or teen
Implement a digital marketing bill of rights for minors that would limit the collection of children’s data
Establish a Youth Privacy and Marketing Division at the FTC, which would be responsible for addressing marketing directed at and the privacy of children and minors
There’s also KOSA. The Kids Online Safety Act. This bill would be more directed at platforms’ design and operations for children and features requirements around the following:
Social media platforms preventing and mitigating harmful content for minors, such as addressing content around substance abuse, self-harm, and the like
Defaulting to the strictest privacy settings for minors
Providing minors and parents privacy controls, such as the ability to opt-out of recommendation systems that use a minor’s personal data, to limit “features that increase, sustain, or extend use” of an online service, and to limit time minors spend on a service
Both bills have successfully made it out of committee and are, as of this writing, awaiting a vote on the Senate floor. What is Congress waiting for? Why are our children being ignored? Surely everyone can get onboard protecting kids online. What’s the holdup?
Reality
Competing legislative priorities, but we can’t help but think what is more important than our precious children. Politicking and the practicality of predicting a bill’s actual odds of success have things tied up for the moment. Meanwhile, individual states haven’t been waiting on Washington. California pushes ahead on children’s data privacy and recently passed the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act into law. Under this law, any business that is also subject to the California Consumer Privacy Act (the CCPA) and that provides an online service, product or feature “likely to be accessed by children” under the age of 18 would be subject to regulation.
It’s 2023. The trend is clear. Slow but steady progress towards stronger policy. There is momentum to protect children online. It may be slow but there is hope. It lies with the current 118th Congress. Although legislation and rule updates do take time, that time is now. There is significant motivation from bipartisan members of our government, groups and organizations, tech experts, educators, medical professionals, parents and caregivers and the general public to implement stronger laws around children’s data and safety online. We need all of you. We cannot do this alone. Join us. Stay informed. Help fight for the online protection of children everywhere. We cannot accept our children remaining invisible while our government is divisible.
Engage. Educate. Empower ourselves and our children.
So What Are We to Do? Community Creates Change
Take Action. Always use our Lynn’s Warriors Tool Kit to contact your representatives. Urge them to support all child online safety bills. Don’t be shy. They work for us. Ask for updates and find out their positions on all. We need all of you. We cannot do this alone. Numbers count. Groups count. We must stand together and fight for our children. PleaseWatch this video.
Take Action. We live in a digital world. It’s not going away. It’s expanding. Kids don’t want to be left out. Children and teens today have enough to worry about. It is unrealistic to expect them not to have a phone. All their friends do. Isolation does not equal protection. Isolation could even further mental health problems. After all, most kids are online because their schools want them there as part of their learning and incorporating homework this way. Start communicating with your kids. Don’t over explain. Honest and open dialogue that is basic. No triggering words.
Take Action. Put Down the Devices. Empowerment starts with less screen time. It’s a digital world. It’s not going away. We must start limiting time spent online, apps like TikTok, Snapchat and Instant Messaging. Remember, wherever the kids are so are the predators. Talk openly and honestly with your kids. There are bad people online. Discuss issues with your kids: age appropriate. Sextortion, cyberbullying, pornography, Internet addiction, explain dangerous algorithms, honest talk about how easy buying drugs is on platforms, slang emojis and more.
Take Action. Focus on Education and Mental Health with kids and Teens. Ask. Are you ok? Follow up on a daily basis. Be alert. Be present. Be there. Communicate about what’s with them, in school and with their friends. Stress the importance of learning and expanding thinking and creativity. Talk openly and honestly. Spend time together. Work together. It’s not US v. THEM. Create family partnerships. Seek help. Always keep 988 handy if you have a crisis or just need some information. Confidential, FREE and will connect you to local resources.
2023. “There is a war on for our children. They are today’s currency. Online. The predators are winning. It’s time to reclaim our precious children. We must protect them with everything we’ve got. It’s time to #BeAWarrior” — Lynn Shaw
Please share this newsletter with family and friends.
There is help. There is hope.
Please always check on your loved ones and friends who might be in need of someone to talk to and care. Find more resources at 988 Lifeline.
Wherever the kids are . . . so are the predators.
Let’s start talking healthy not harmful in 2023.
If we help one child a day, then we have done our job.
BE A WARRIOR!
Gabb Wireless– Technology has countless benefits and allowing children to use safe technology in moderation can help them learn phone etiquette and media literacy skills. However, too much of anything can be harmful. By taking the steps to balance tech in their lives, kids have more time to be kids and learn healthy tech habits.
Sound the Alarm. ALWAYS. BEWARE. REALITY. It’s 2023. A predator can make contact with a child almost anywhere online. This is why it’s absolutely A MUST that you and your kids know what red flags to look out for and how to stay safe onlineBark brings us some age-appropriate resources you can use to talk about this topic with your family. How to Protect Your Children From Online Predators
Parental Advisory. March 13. When Should You Get Your Kid A Phone?By the time they’re in middle school, kids are often begging their parents for a phone. But how do you know when your child is ready to handle the responsibility? And what is safe for them to be able to do on that phone?
Washington DC.March 16. TikTok says US threatens ban if Chinese owners don't sell stakesThe Biden administration has demanded that TikTok's Chinese owners divest their stakes in the popular video app or face a possible U.S. ban. The move is the most dramatic in a series of recent steps by U.S. officials and legislators who have raised fears that TikTok's U.S. user data could be passed on to China's government. ByteDance-owned TikTok has more than 100 million U.S. users including many children and teens.
In the News. March 13. Sex Traffickers: The Hidden Role of Women Female traffickers are more common than male traffickers. Limited awareness about sex trafficking and the people who perpetrate this crime has helped to fuel the stereotype of a female victim/male perpetrator. Many people are shocked to learn that females can be traffickers, too. Research has shown that female traffickers are often integral assets of sex trafficking rings.
Education. March 15. California. San Mateo County schools sue 3 major social media companies alleging they are contributing to the rapid mental health decline of children. The San Mateo County Board of Education is suing Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube for harming students’ mental health and for “monetizing misery.” San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools Nancy Magee said how TikTok challenges going around school resulted in vandalism to school properties, which takes away from teaching and learning..
Media Microscope. March 17. Washington Post. As advocates push for child marriage bans, some states resistWhen Sara Tasneem was 15 years old, her father told her she had to marry a 28-year-old stranger who was a member of his religious community in Palo Alto, Calif. The union began with a spiritual ceremony and, six months later when Tasneem became pregnant, it culminated with a quick Nevada wedding to legalize the marriage. All state officials needed was a notarized permission slip from her father. It took Tasneem a decade to get out of the marriage. Warrior Reality. March 17. What Happened to the Woman in the Hotel Room Next Door? With their closed doors and transient nature, hotels can provide an environment for crimes like sex trafficking. An incident in the middle of the night prompts a writer to ask what is being done to prevent them.
Warrior Thanks. March 17. Great news from Shared Hope!Maryland's Safe Harbor bill is on its way to the state Senate for a vote! Last year, similar legislation didn't make it this far, so we are excited that a major hurdle has been jumped to lead Maryland towards better protections for child sex trafficking victims. However, there is still work to do. Join us. Urge your reps to support the bill now.
Mark Your Calendar. April 20th at 7PM ET. World Without ExploitationVirtual Gala “Celebrating Impact” A night of inspiration, live performances and recognition honoring three exceptional leaders: Melanie Thompson, a fierce survivor and the Outreach & Advocacy Coordinator for Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW); the inspirational Ashley Judd, actor and activist; and the extraordinary Rachel Foster, President, Heights Advisors and Founding Co-Chair, World Without Exploitation. Tickets and more.
MARCH 22. Warrior Workshop for parents, grandparents, caregivers and all concerned citizens will be presented at the Chatham, New Jersey Library! Much discussion about libraries and kids around the United States this past year. Count us in! We'll be talking digital safety for you and your kids. We’re ready. FREE. Immersive. Honest and open talk. Q&A. Join us. 7PM.⬇
At the same time, the study shows that children aren’t turning to offline support systems – like having conversations with parents and trusted adults. Visit Thorn for Parents and always Lynn's Warriors to learn more.
DO YOU KNOW WHAT SEXTORTION IS? The practice of extorting money or sexual favors from someone by threatening to reveal evidence of their sexual activities.
We can't do this alone. We need everyone.
Have a Family Safety Emergency Plan in Place. “Children who become separated from their loved ones during and following a disaster are at an increased risk of trauma. Coping with anxiety and stress are much more difficult in the absence of those who know the child’s individual needs. Children separated from their parents or legal guardians are more vulnerable to maltreatment, abuse, abduction, and sexual exploitation.” –NCMEC
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or dial 911 in case of emergency. And 988 is now designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
ENGAGE EDUCATE EMPOWER
MARCH RECOMMENDED READING
A great book to share with your teens. Is social media stressing them out? Written by a millennial psychologist and media expert, this workbook offers practical skills to help them reduce anxiety, balance screen time, deal with cyberbullies, and take charge of their life.
Social media has drastically changed how we communicate with one another. In many ways this is a good thing. For example, it’s easier than ever to stay connected to family and friends who live far away. But social media can also become addictive, stressful, and even alienating. If you’re like many teens, you probably check your smartphone several times throughout the day to stay up to date on the news from friends. But what happens when you’re so worried about missing the latest posts on your feed that you end up missing out on real life adventures and connections?
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CLICK ON COVER
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WARNING!
WARNING! HOUSEHOLD SAFETY HAZARD
The number of young kids who atemarijuana-laced candyrose sharply over five years, putting many in hospital, according to the latest study warning against America's experiment with legal pot.
Between 2017 and 2021, US poison control centers witnessed a 14-fold increase in calls about youngsters who got their hands on cannabis edibles, according to astudy in the journal Pediatrics.
Though many of the children experienced only minor symptoms, like excessive sleepiness, researchers say nearly a quarter ended up in hospital and warn about the emergence of a new household safety hazard.
JUST RELEASED.Eyes on the Future: Survivor-Partnered Research in the National Survivor StudyLearning from Survivors and With Survivors The study is the largest and most significant effort to date to learn directly from survivors of sex and labor trafficking about what they have experienced and what they need to heal. Survivors themselves designed and implemented the survey as full partners in the project. The result is anti-trafficking research that focuses on survivors’ futures as much as their past and reveals concrete pathways for action.
FEDERAL CALL TO ACTION 2023 — Three Kids' Internet Safety Bills You Need to Know Watch and listen to advocate Jan Edwards, Paving the Way Foundation, and tech policy expert Rick Lane, IGGY Ventures, and Lynn Shaw discuss why we must all engage, educate and empower ourselves and our children about today’s dangerous digital landscape, enforce privacy settings and why we must urge Congress to pass these three bills immediately. The best solutions right now to #ProtectKidsOnline
Have You Seen These Children?
WE NEED YOUR HELP! 16 year-old Jayda Len was last seen on March 15, 2023 in Pflugerville TX. Anyone having information is urged to the contact 1-800-THE-LOST.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! 16 year-old Izzy Provstgaard was last seen on March 10, 2023 in Las Vegas NV. Anyone having information is urged to the contact the Las Vegas Metro Police Department (NV) at 1-702-828-3111 or call 1-800-THE-LOST.
Today and every day. Have a Warriors action plan in place. Stay connected with family and friends. Even if they seem okay. Keep handy these helpful phone numbers and websites of organizations available 24/7 365 days a year that offer free and confidential help.
Take Action. Warrior Workshops emphasize that communication is key and supplies the tools and resources to accomplish this.Lynn’s Warriorseducates children, teens, parents, teachers, trusted adults, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, community leaders and businesses and places of worship about the escalating impact of the Internet and protection from predators lurking online and in real time. Lynn’s Warriors focuses on and offers education and training about human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The emphasis and challenges are for everyone to become a Warrior in their own homes and communities. Lynn’s Warriorsare essential, critical and now available to you and your community. Here we come, NY, CT, NJ and the entire United States! Stay tuned. Please learn more
Lynn’s Warriorsis at the forefront of raising awareness and mobilizing and coordinating community, state and national advocates, elected officials, representatives and leaders to work in a comprehensive and integrated approach to best address the issues and work at ending the demand that confronts our most vulnerable and precious citizens.Lynn’s Warriorsutilizes a coordinated synergy to educate about all forms of digital predation, including Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), sextortion and all forms of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Learn more about becoming a Warrior and why Warrior Workshops are needed in your community. For more information Email Lynn.
Please use these helpful hashtags on your social media platforms to raise awareness about human trafficking and sexual exploitation issues and initiatives:
CLICK ON IMAGE ABOVE FOR SHOW INFORMATION 3-18-23. A must listen. Chris McKenna, Founder of Protect Young Eyes, is a social media expert. He joins us to discuss family digital safety. #DelayIsTheWay
03-22-2023 welcomes Sara Tasneem, child bride survivor and advocate who’ll share legislative updates on why we still have 43 states that allow child rape in the United States. Don’t forget to listen to my 03-15-2023interview with legal analyst LIONELplus full program. We discuss Meta and recent lawsuits involving kids. Two must-listens.Buckle up!Only onLynn’s Warriors WVOX Radio.Join us every Wednesday from 3-4PM ETAM1460NY WVOX App WVOX.com = Across the Universe!
HELP FUND THE FIGHT AND KEEP THE SURVIVOR VOICE FRONT AND CENTER. Your Lynn’s Warriors donationsupports the mission of stopping human trafficking and promoting sexual exploitation education as well as helping survivors reclaim their lives through purpose and providing financial support.
Please share this newsletter with family and friends.
"If we are open, connected and our intention is pure, we will always be protected by love and in service be better to others and never be harmed.” — Lynn Shaw
Thank you.
Lynn Shaw
Founder and Executive Director New York City Lynn’s Warriors
The time is now. Healing. We must protect our vulnerable children. We can do this. We must do this. We are #Warriors
Justice. 
traffickers are more common than male traffickers. Limited awareness about sex trafficking and the people who perpetrate this 
MARCH 22. 
vulnerable and precious citizens.
to listen to
