News
May 11, 2021When the Sender Is A Pretender: A Discussion about Who’s Texting, Friending, Messaging, and Watching Your Child Online
On Thursday, May 20, 2021, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Safe Inc. of Schenectady will host “When the Sender is a Pretender.” This is a free, virtual forum to educate the community, local service providers, educators, local businesses and government leaders about the existence of sex trafficking and the vulnerability of youth in our community.
As more youth have been confined inside due to COVID-19, sexual predators have been increasingly lurking online and recruiting youth through such social media channels as TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Kik, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, video games, and others. The hidden and disguised online activities can present a real danger to our youth.
To raise awareness about this danger, three dynamic speakers will share timely and important information on how to protect our vulnerable youth.
Salka Valerio, a survivor of sex trafficking, will share her personal story and how homelessness impacted her journey.
Melanie Puorto Conte, Coordinator of Safe Harbour, will provide an overview of sex trafficking of youth in our community.
Kyla Guru, founder of Bits N’ Bytes and an Intern with the Center for Internet Security, will provide cyber security information to help protect our youth online.
In addition, Jermaine Wells, a local media personality, artist, and production specialist, will host the event.
