When we join a social networking site, we are connecting to our existing friends, classmates, coworkers, family, and potentially making new friends all over the world. Most of us have seen how quick and easy it is to share our life experiences across a large group of people. Whether it’s a photo of a new baby, or a quick status update recounting the day.

But along with that casual convenience, you always have to consider what information you are putting out there, and who might be able to see it. Most of the time that includes your intended audience of online friends, but sometimes your personal information can spread out beyond your known circle. The web allows for information to travel extremely quickly, and unfortunately we can’t always control who ends up having access.

As in every situation, prevention is your best weapon, and so being aware of the dangers in others accessing your personal information means you can take the necessary steps to protect your personal information. And if you’ve got kids with active online lives, you should be sure to have a conversation with them about savvy web surfing as well. Read More of Smart Web Surfing for Teens »

AMW has been working hard at pointing the white hot light of the law onto one of the most dangerous and far reaching crimes, human trafficking. This practice of modern day slavery has allowed for the exploitation of people all over the globe, into forced labor and commercial sex. AMW has been working various angles of such victimization, and has been responsible for bringing to justice both traffickers and predators who take advantage of those victimized by the sex trade. Criminals such as An Soon Kim, who cops say forced dozens of Korean women into sex slavery, and Loren Oulman a convicted American sex offender who attempted to evade authorities by laying low in Southeast Asia.

While a global phenomenon, a significant number of victims and perpetrators are located right here in the United States. Filmmaker Libby Spears recently took an inside look at the global sex trade, and ultimately found an alarming number of American children forced into the industry. This is a less an issue of people getting kidnapped and forced into work, but more often a situation where vulnerable victims may have initially traveled voluntarily or begun working under different circumstances. But there are currently more than 300,000 American children who have fallen into the illegal sex trade.

The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, provides support to anyone who has been victimized by any type of sexual crime, and resources to anyone who is interested in helping victims. Through both their telephone and online hotlines, there are more than 1,000 trained volunteers at any given time available to help through their national network of crisis center. Completely confidential, a caller always has the option to remain anonymous. Read More of Fighting The Spread Of Human Trafficking »

When your young kids begin to get more active, you will probably be thinking about whether it might be the right time for your kid to carry a cell phone. You know how indispensable a cellphone has become in your own life, whether for work or keeping connected to your family.

And as our lives all become increasingly fast-paced, a cell phone can be a helpful tool that facilitates both convenience and most importantly our kids’ safety. When it comes to your children carrying one, age is a major consideration, and though many parents are choosing to equip younger and younger children with phones, it’s ultimately up to you to decide what age is appropriate.

Additionally, there are plenty of other considerations to keep in mind before you make the purchase for your child, which you should discuss with them once you do decide to move forward. When is it appropriate for them to use it? How much use is appropriate? What should they do if they get a call or message from someone they don’t know? How can you protect personal information from being shared with inappropriate people? Read More of Is Your Child Ready For A Cellphone? »