IDENTIFY, DEFINE, DISCERN, AND DECIDE

We often get asked how we train our kids to not become victims of child exploitation and trafficking.

Our main purpose is to train to avoid or respond to crises.

The bigger emphasis is "Where in the Bible are we given a training guide."

Let's take a look together at these 4 simple and easy-to-remember steps using a Made To Walk presentation called IDDD (known as a kids ID)

The main reason for us focusing on "Identity" is because self-worth and identity are common weaknesses for traffickers/predators. We need to know how to identify shifts in our kid's behavior. Sometimes kids notice it in a friend faster than an adult notices it in a child. Below is a helpful way to approach this conversation.

When a child's identity is being a representation of God above even their parents, Church, or community their standards for themselves are higher. Sometimes making mom and dad proud doesn't matter to them but disappointing God will. But how do we address this without getting an eye roll or a sarcastic statement? We can't teach our kids to never fall off a surfboard. We can only teach them how not to drown when they do. So teaching kids how to manage a crisis will help them be successful. They realistically are just not always going to run to mom and dad.

Bringing kids into a conversation with you as opposed to speaking to them is all the difference.

Identify:

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:7

Teaching them to not take actions that make them unwise is an effective approach. Kids want to be perceived as smarter than a "child" so let them have access to the truth that makes them wiser.

1 Peter 5:8-9

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he DEVOUR. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world."

Let them know that as part of the identity that comes with being a high-profile child of God, some want to seek out and destroy their reputation. They want to taint and steal the years of youth/innocence/ignorance. Let them know they need to be on high alert. Mom and Dad aren't always going to be there to wield the shield and sword for them. 

In Identify, we teach kids to Identify attributes that are Godly and the ones that are not. That is how they will know when they are in a situation that doesn't "feel" right. They can notice negative attributes in friends as well. Using a lesson about looking out for their friends is easier to swallow than a don't do this lecture.

Define:

Teaching kids how to define a threat from a friendly acquaintance is key. Often it is not as noticeable as you may think. A predator is committed to grooming a person for as long as necessary to build trust. Often it takes months even years before a conversation ever turns inappropriate. By the time they are asked to do anything "wrong," they are so connected to the individual through trust that they just do it. 

Teach kids to test even people who use kind words, sweet talk or even faith-based conversations. They need to know what behaviors are faith-based in moral and which form harmful consequences.

Test The Spirit

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1

Discern

Once a child is aware something does not feel right they need to determine what to do with the information.

I often use the example if you cut off your arm would you go to Instagram to ask for advice or if you need a new hair style would you go to pharmacists to get a new hair cut, the answer is no. There are experts in their field who need to work with individuals on concerns of the heart, head, and body.

I use the example of Biblical Training Camp:

Training Camp Tools

Identify your weaknesses and strengthen them (heart, head, body etc) If they have an insecurity of your body that is a body issue, if they feel not smart enough that is a head issue, if they feel abandoned that is a heart issue. If we do not focus on the core root of these issues and build up a child they become "at-risk" meaning more likely to be targeted.

Protect your house (barricade entrances and exits) - This is in reference to phones. I tell kids if you are sharing your location with the whole school you are leaving all your entrances unlocked with no safe exits. If you are sending unsafe content you are not protecting yourself (temple.)

Know experts in the field to triage. Again see someone to help you strengthen your weaknesses.

Be vigilant. Don't be constantly distracted that you miss the threats around you.

Be aware of changes. This is for yourself and others you care about.

There are never mistakes only choices and better choices. 

There’s always room to pivot your plan. Remind kids no matter how far they have gone it's never too scary to turn around and speak up. It is far scarier to reach the consequences that leave scars.

Wounds heal but scars stay.  

Keep your friends 6. Look out for behavior changes amongst kids at school and know how to approach them safely or tell an adult. 

Decide to use God's Armor

Eph 6:10-18

Memorizing this is vital to the process of making a successful preventative and proactive impact on youth.

Worldview is vital to the success of kids making a pivot or a life choice.