I think that Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends is the best cartoon ever. It's not technically a child hood favorite but it helps me get in to my inner child. Besides it's hilarious. So when I read that there was a facebook meme to make your profile picture a cartoon from your childhood to promote awareness of child abuse this was the first cartoon I thought of. And I loved seeing all the cartoon faces on my wall. But the whole meme caused quite a bit of controversy.
It started as a meme to just put a cartoon profile picture, then the child abuse awareness bit got added and then the whole pedophile rumors started. I'm sorry but you really shouldn't believe everything you read. Supposedly some pedophiles wanted people to change there profile picture to a cartoon because it's easier for them to contact kids if they have a cartoon picture. Okay first off, this is the stupidest rumor I have ever heard. So a group of pedophiles got together (at the playground?) and came up with this genius plan. And then implemented it worldwide. Yeah right. And I'm sure they don't need everyone to have a cartoon picture for them to have one. If your child is young enough to be lured in by a cartoon profile, you should be monitoring their computer time anyway.
Also people were very upset because just changing your profile picture is not enough to stop child abuse. Of course it's not. But it did help with child abuse awareness, whether it was originally intended for that or not. They talked about it on CNN. So the awareness part is covered. But really, before this, were you unaware that child abuse happened or that something needs to be done about it? I hope not. But maybe you were aware but were sitting there saying..what next? What am I supposed to do?
Well here's a few things you can do.
Don't be silent. If you suspect that a child you know is being abused Report it. I know that we tend to feel like we should mind our own business. But some kids don't have any one to speak up for them. Be that person.
Volunteer at a local shelter or home for abused children. These places can always use the help. Even if your helping by filing paperwork, you are still making a difference. You can also volunteer to answer phones at a hot line.
Donate to local shelters or homes, or even to national organizations. Not just money, but coats, blankets, toys.
Become a CASA, a court appointed special advocate. The cool thing about CASA is you are always that child's volunteer. Caseworkers, foster parents and placements may change but you stick with that kid through out the whole system.
Use the government. Write to your representative about stronger reform and more laws protecting kids. I know pretty much every Child services department could use more resources. Tell the lawmakers you think so.
Get help. If you think that you might be abusing your child. Please get help, it may be hard to hear and embarrassing to admit it. But your child's welfare is the most important thing.
Go hug and play with your kids.
Do you guys have any other tips to help?
I've been a social worker for 13 years, and was a DCFS caseworker for 3. I work in a crisis shelter of sorts, and am still a mandatory reporter. I wasn't in love with the meme, and honestly, I wonder how many people were actually thinking about child abuse, or how many were looking for a funny picture.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. I agree completely with you on people going over board on this. How come it always comes down to pedophiles on Facebook? As for the list on how to actually stop child abuse bravo. Maybe if people wanted to raise awareness on FB they should have posted their own ideas in their status.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Anastasia! I personally did not change my profile pic, because well honestly everybody else was doing it and I have always been a bit of a rebel. I am well aware of child abuse and its toll, and I have even had to make that call.
ReplyDeleteAs for the whole thing being orchestrated by a group of pedophiles? Really? I’m with you. We keep our computers in common areas and I have to have complete access to all accounts, correspondences and occasionally check my daughter’s texts (not behind her back that was the deal up front).
Thanks Anastasia. I think number one on your list is so important! I think it's so easy for people to think that it's not their business but really a lot of these children need help! It makes me so sad/upset when I hear about a case on the news where it's gone to the point of a child dying and come to find out people knew, or even suspected, but no one stepped forward. It really can be that serious. It is saving a life. And what a great point on CASA. This is definitely something I should look into getting involved in.
ReplyDeleteExactly! And plus... I think it's completely inappropriate for anyone under the age of 13-14 to have a facebook!
ReplyDeleteI was furious at this meme. We are an entire nation of over-aware people. We are so damned aware of everything that awareness is coming out of our ears.
ReplyDeleteBut do we (collectively) do anything? No.
If I see one more yellow bracelet or pink ribbon or puzzle piece or or or I'll effing scream. I swear to god.
Ack.
Love to you. I hope your Christmas was magic
I am going go out on limb here, BUT this meme caused an uproar. Got attention. Got people talking. Posting. spreading awareness. That's a silver lining, right?
ReplyDelete