The Lantern Project is so excited to be partnering with Bank Food Hall to help keep our community safer! So grab some food and a drink and learn more about how we can work together to keep our families and beautiful downtown safer for the next generations!
The Lantern Project is a 501c3 non profit organization created to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation in the Carolinas. We work to empower companies, individuals and families to make a positive impact in this fight and protect their loved ones from these dangers. We offer education and prevention training and materials as well as digital resources to help keep families safer.
The Lantern Project is part of the Cabarrus County county anti-trafficking task force and operates multiple safe houses for survivors of trafficking in the greater Charlotte area.
Click here to learn about securing your kid’s devices, warning signs or potential dangers and tools to help you protect your family.
Online Safety
We live in a digital world and many of us are now dependent on our tech for our daily lives… but with 70% of all trafficking cases originating online, we need to know how to use these tools wisely so we can pass this wisdom on to our loved ones.
It’s important you think through the big issues and talk about expectations before handing over a device. You need your kids to understand that you’re on the same team in this.
Click below to see a list of 10 questions to ask yourself and discuss with your child before committing to getting them a device. Remember, it is WAY easier to delay or slowly roll out access than it is to reel it in once it’s given.
If someone tells you not to tell your parents or a trusted adult about your conversation, that’s a major red flag. Safe people never ask you to hide things from the people who care about you.
This kind of secrecy is how predators try to isolate kids.
These phrases are commonly used to keep kids quiet about inappropriate behavior. If someone insists on privacy in a way that feels sneaky, it’s usually because they know what they’re doing is wrong.
No one online should ever need this info. Sharing it can put your safety at serious risk, even if they say it’s for innocent reasons like sending a gift or “just being friends.”
If someone wants pictures you’d be embarrassed to show your parents, that’s a huge warning.
This is how many online exploitation situations begin. Never share photos that feel wrong.
If someone says “let’s talk on this other app,” they may be trying to hide the conversation or avoid being monitored. It’s often a sign they want to escalate things in a private space.
This tactic is called “grooming.” Predators may offer V-Bucks, gift cards, or even money in exchange for personal info or photos. If it feels too good to be true—it is.
Meeting someone you only know from the internet is extremely dangerous. People can easily lie about who they are. Always tell a trusted adult if anyone brings up meeting in real life.
If you feel weird, anxious, or unsure about what someone is asking—trust that feeling. Safe people don’t pressure others. “Everyone is doing it” is not a good reason to go along.
Moving too fast in a friendship is often a trick to gain your trust. Real relationships take time. If someone is rushing to be close, be cautious.
Trust your gut. If something makes you uncomfortable, it’s not okay. Don’t keep it to yourself— tell a parent, teacher, or safe adult right away.
If someone sends gross, scary, or inappropriate things, that’s abusive. Even if they say it’s a joke or “everyone watches this,” it’s not normal or safe.
If the conversation shifts to adult topics that you don’t understand or feel weird about, it’s a sign this person may have bad intentions.
If someone tries to make you doubt or dislike the people who care about you, it’s a way to separate you from your support system—which is dangerous.
Clicking unknown links can lead to viruses, dangerous sites, or explicit content. Always ask a parent before opening anything unexpected.
No one should ever ask for this. Passwords are private. Sharing them can lead to your accounts being taken over or used in harmful ways.
This is another isolation tactic—cutting off your access to adults who can help. If someone says this, it’s time to tell a trusted adult immediately.
Anyone telling you how to hide your activity is likely doing something wrong. These are classic red flags for predatory behavior.
This is one of the most dangerous signs. If something feels off, don’t do it. Turn off the device, block the person, and tell a trusted adult immediately.
*source Talking Points for Life & The Lantern Project
The Lantern Project is a 501c3 non profit. All donations are tax deductible.
57 Union St South, Concord, NC 28025 | info@thelantern.net
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