PHILADELPHIA, PA — A Digital Safety Roundtable aimed at addressing the alarming rise in digital exploitation of youth will take place in Philadelphia on Thursday, March 6. The event, hosted by The Exodus Road, The Lighthouse, and the office of Senator Tartaglione, will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Lighthouse facility in Kensington.
This invitation-only event will bring together community leaders, educators, law enforcement, lawmakers, and nonprofit organizations to confront the growing threats of online exploitation, sextortion, and human trafficking. Reports of online exploitation of minors in Philadelphia have surged by 300% over the past three years, mirroring concerning national trends. Research shows that 1 in 5 teenagers nationwide has been sexually solicited online.
Facilitating the discussion is Bill Woolf, former Acting Director of the Office for Victims of Crime at the U.S. Department of Justice. Woolf, a nationally recognized expert on human trafficking and child exploitation prevention, will guide attendees as they explore protective measures and proactive strategies to safeguard youth.
“Our kids are growing up in a digital world that presents real dangers, and we can’t afford to look the other way,” emphasized Senator Tartaglione. She noted the urgency in addressing the crisis, stating, “The rise in online exploitation is alarming — these aren’t just statistics, they’re our children, and we need to do more to protect them.”
The roundtable will focus on several key themes, including the national trends in digital exploitation, the specific impact on the Philadelphia region, and the challenges of ensuring digital safety. Participants will collaborate to identify effective solutions to protect children from falling victim to predators online.
The event also features remarks from Edwin Desamour, Executive Director of The Lighthouse, who has witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of trafficking in vulnerable communities. Laura Parker, CEO and Co-Founder of The Exodus Road, will contribute insights from nearly 15 years of global anti-trafficking efforts, highlighting the importance of systemic change and community action.
Representatives from education, law enforcement, and advocacy sectors will play a critical role in shaping the strategies discussed at the roundtable, emphasizing a multi-disciplinary approach to combatting these urgent issues.
With digital exploitation posing grave risks to children, this roundtable marks an important step toward protecting and empowering youth in Philadelphia and beyond. Through collaboration and commitment, the event aims to foster solutions that will safeguard the next generation in an increasingly digital world.
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