Interlake Sexual Exploitation Educators (ISEE) are encouraging parents and caregivers to become informed about the realities of child sexual exploitation — particularly in the online world.
Interlake Sexual Exploitation Educators (ISEE) offer free resources and learning opportunities about child sexual exploitation
The Selkirk-based committee is offering a free virtual presentation for adults exploring the various ways children and teens can be exploited online. The first session will take place Wednesday, March 11, from 1 to 3 p.m., with a repeat presentation March 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
ISEE is a collaborative committee made up of local organizations, schools, agencies, community groups and concerned residents. The group provides free sexual exploitation prevention resources to adults and youth as part of the Province of Manitoba’s Sexual Exploitation Strategy, Tricia’s Trust.
ISEE co-chairs Jim Dao and Sherisse Picklyk Dear say the committee is committed to educating, supporting and informing community members about childhood sexual exploitation — both in person and online.
“We want to help kids — and their parents or caregivers — understand this is happening now,” Picklyk Dear said. “Not only raising awareness of child and youth sexual exploitation that is happening globally, but also right here in the Interlake.”
March marks Manitoba’s Stop Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Month, and Dao and Picklyk Dear are encouraging all adults who interact with children to attend one of the two sessions — regardless of the child’s age.
“Even if your child is young, you need to be able to aptly prepare for this,” Picklyk Dear said. “Anyone who interacts with kids who use a device should be aware — including school staff, coaches, CFS workers, doctors and relatives.”
With experience working in the public sector, both co-chairs say they have seen firsthand the risks youth face online and the importance of digital safety. Picklyk Dear described as “horrifying” the things predators can do to youth online.
“They are master manipulators, they are tech savvy — they know exactly what they are doing,” she said.
The presentation will outline what online child sexual exploitation can look like, how to speak with children appropriately about the topic, and what resources and supports are available. Short videos will help participants better understand real-world scenarios, followed by a 30-minute question-and-answer session.
Dao noted exploitation can begin slowly through everyday online chats on a variety of platforms, including Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok and online video games such as Roblox.
“At the end of the day, predators will turn the conversations to a sexual nature, and the goal will be to acquire pictures or videos,” he said. “Most caregivers are not tech savvy and don’t know what’s happening online or how to keep kids safe. Kids are left to deal with the online world themselves, and they don’t know the dangers and risks. Predators will target these kids.”
He described the online world as a predator’s “new playground.”
“When they are young, we teach kids about safety. We put on their seatbelt, put on their life jacket or helmet — now we need to make sure kids are taught safety in their new online playground.”
While acknowledging the subject matter can be difficult, Picklyk Dear and Dao emphasized their goal is not to alarm families, but to equip them with knowledge and tools.
They say “awareness is key” when it comes to addressing child exploitation and stress the importance of open conversations between caregivers and children.
“We need to talk about it,” Dao added. “We never want to brush it under the carpet.”
In addition to the March sessions, ISEE offers free school presentations to students in Grades 7 to 12 throughout the year. These sessions cover topics such as exploitation, grooming, luring, cyberbullying and consent, using youth-friendly language and interactive discussions.
Advance registration is required for the March 11 and 12 parent and caregiver presentations. Adults can register through the Microsoft Form linked via the QR code on the event poster. Each participant will be entered into a live draw for a $50 gift card.
Due to the sensitive nature of the content, children should not attend the virtual presentation, either alone or alongside an adult.
For more information, to access resources, or to schedule a presentation, visit www.interlakesee.ca or follow ISEE on Instagram (@iseeinterlake) and Facebook.
