Protecting young people from sexual exploitation

Remember when even just the thought of the word s-e-x would send us blushing into embarrassment?

Well, thanks to constant and overwhelming media influence, sexual images and explicit word references have become increasingly common among groups that are younger by the year.

Already the so-called sex industry in America has given us its own spin on the conversation. They’ve built a thriving business on the rationale that it’s just about “entertainment,” “servicing needs,” “gentlemen’s clubs,” “legitimate business,” “escort services,” “massage parlors,” “glamorous websites.”

Unfortunately, most Americans have come to accept this situation as commonplace. Many of America’s youth have gone beyond intrigue to become active participants, strippers and candidates for prostitution as patrons and providers.

Even pastors and otherwise respectable adults have become discreet targets for this manipulation through Internet pornography. Millions of children in the United States are being involuntarily exposed to unwanted sexual materials through the Internet.

As your congregation strives to feed and tend the sheep in its care, here are a few things you might consider:

• Be proactive about equipping youth and their parents with insights regarding sexual identity and development. Help children be aware of media influence, as well as potentially manipulative adults and organizations.
  
• Highlight information and websites in your congregation’s newsletter for exploring specific topics of interest. Adults Saving Kids provides insight on current realities and help for adult leaders who are eager to consider this a ministry opportunity.
  
• Engage youth and adults in youth-friendly conversations about current realities and faithful reactions to them.
  
• To research and study the issue, the Journal of Lutheran Ethics offers a few places to find materials, insights and contacts.
  
• Give youth opportunities to build their own self-esteem as they address real issues and experience support and affirmation for articulating their insights and concerns.
  
• Nurture parenting skills, integrity, boundary-setting and healthy discernment through easy-entry adult Bible studies and conversations.
  
• Make it a priority in your congregation to address issues of health and safety for young people.
  
• Implement a policy on safety that includes volunteer screening.
  
• Pray for children, youth and their families in your congregation.