Tina Budd from See the Signs says as our rangatahi leave the safety of primary school, they enter a world of greater independence, peer pressure, social media, and new relationships. Unfortunately, this is also the age when many young people become targets for sexual grooming and exploitation.
A public meeting to discuss these issues is being held in Waikanae on August 20 (Poster with details below).
Ms Budd, who worked with Police in the UK for 22 years, says the frightening reality is that most children don’t realise they are being groomed until it has gone too far—and many parents don’t recognise the warning signs either.
See the Signs is hosting a community workshop to help parents understand:
• How sexual predators groom children and teenagers.
• The warning signs of child sexual exploitation.
• How social media, gaming, and everyday relationships are used to target young people.
• What parents can do to protect their children before harm occurs.
This isn’t about creating fear—it’s about giving parents the knowledge and confidence to recognise the signs early and have the conversations that could make all the difference.
Prevention starts with awareness. Protecting our children starts with us.
For more see: https://seethesigns.setmore.com/
