7 better ways to help protect children around the world

Together protecting children

There are an estimated 150 million children living or working on the streets worldwide.

All these children are at great risk of being abused and often traveller unwillingly and unknowingly increase their vulnerability. Join us to be a Child Safe traveller by adopting the following tips

1. Keep your eyes wide open
   

   If you see a child in danger, inform the local police, the local hospital or child support organization in your area.

   Cases of child abuse can also be reported to www.interpol.org

2. Avoid situations and actions that may lead to child exploitation
   

   Be aware that certain ’tourist-attractions’ such as orphanage or slum tours exploit children’s vulnerabilities for financial gain. An orphanage is a child's home, a place that should be safe and should respect his/her right to privacy and dignity.

3. Avoid buying from children and refrain from giving to begging children and actions that may lead to child exploitation
   

   Directly helping them keeps them on the streets and places them at risk. If you really want to help, find and support services that help these children and their families have a better future.

   www.thinkbeforegiving.org

4. Purchase products made from parents or youth in training.
   

   In many countries you can buy products made by parents or youth in training that gives them a regular income and a better future.

    

5. Taking children back to your hotel room for any reason is not a good idea.
   

   Worldwide, the charges for child sex offenders are severe. You might be suspected as a paedophile when taking children back to your room. If you want to help a child in need, notify local social workers.

6. Avoid places that tolerate prostitution
   

   Throughout the world, high percentage of sex workers is minors. By supporting businesses that tolerate prostitution you are supporting an environment that places children at risk. Do not hesitate to report cases.

7. Support ChildSafe Network Members
   Support ChildSafe Network Members train local businesses and people to protect children from abusive situations. Please check the list of ChildSafe members and look out for the ChildSafe logo during your travels. Please use their services: www.childsafe-international.org