BOOK REVIEW OF ‘IN OUR BACKYARD’ BY NITA BELLES

Nita Belles book ‘IN OUR BACKYARD human trafficking in America and how we can stop it ‘ is a wonderful resource on recognizing and ending Human Trafficking.

If you have time for one book on human trafficking in our nation this is the one to read.

And because human trafficking is increasingly problematic among our nation’s children I’ll be covering Ms. Belles tips on how to educate our children. .

As a solution to this growing business we need to prepare our youth with practical ways of recognizing the problem and ways to protect them against the predators.

In the book Ms. Belles states~

“Educate your kids about human trafficking: that it exists, what it looks like, and to talk to you or another responsible adult if they think they see it. If they are emotionally ready, have them read this book to help them recognize the red flags.

Ms Belles also suggests~

 “Communicate with your kids and let them talk to you without judgment. They need to know they are safer with you than anywhere else. One rule we had with our kids was that if they did something wrong and they told us before we found out, they might have some consequences, but their punishment would be less than if we found out another way. 

Technology is a big part of how sex trafficking happens with kids. Know your kids’ passwords and what is on their phones. A good rule is to say, “As long as you live under our roof, we have access to passwords, emails, texts, etc.” Your child’s privacy is important, but so is their safety. If you talk to parents whose children have been sex trafficked, without exception they will all tell you they wish they had done that. 

Also, GPS tracking devices on phones can be key to tracking your child and finding them when they first go missing. 

Know your kids’ friends. Have them over to your home. Feed them a pan of brownies or a batch of cookies, and sit down and talk with them. Know where they hang out and what they are like. 

Get your kids involved in positive things: community youth groups, sports, music, community service, and church youth groups. Surround them with positive peer pressure.”

Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below~