CAJ Parents Learn About Online Safety From ZOE Japan

In response to the recent parent seminar on “Protecting Children from Online Enticement and Exploitation,” one parent expressed, “I was shocked to learn about the online dangers facing my children and how unprepared I am to address them.”

On September 23, experts from ZOE Japan presented CAJ parents with vital information and tools in both English and Japanese to safeguard their children from online threats. The harsh reality is that thousands of boys and girls in Japan are targeted daily for sexual exploitation via social media and online games. Many fall victim to sextortion, child sexual abuse material, or are exploited for prostitution. This danger extends to children within the CAJ community, and given the rapidly evolving nature of the online landscape, it is crucial for parents to stay informed.

While establishing rules and expectations around social media and internet use is essential, a key takeaway for many parents was the importance of fostering a strong, open relationship with their children. As one parent noted, “I want to protect my children, and it starts with building a healthy, open relationship where we can discuss anything.”

For more resources and to learn about the important work being done to combat child trafficking in Japan, please visit ZOE Japan's website gozoe.jp.

Parent learning opportunities at CAJ are coordinated by the CAJ Parallel department and endorsed by the CAJ Leadership Team. The contact person is Jacquie Willson and she can be reached at parallel@caj.ac.jp.