Project Childhood (Prevention Pillar) is an AusAID program implemented by World Vision

‘CHILD SAFE TOURISM’

SOLUTIONS

to prevent child exploitation in tourism

Project Childhood (Prevention Pillar) is an AusAID program implemented by World Vision

CARD ONE - BACK

Protecting children is everyone’s business We all benefit from responsible tourism that protects our natural, cultural and human assets, especially our children. But, as tourism grows around the world, children are particularly vulnerable to exploitation. Children need special protection. This is not the responsibility of a single organisation. We are all responsible for protecting children.

You can help build “child safe tourism”. Everyone benefits when children are protected from

abuse.

Project Childhood (Prevention Pillar) is an AusAID program implemented by World Vision

CARD TWO - FRONT

What is child abuse and exploitation? Millions of children around the world suffer abuse and exploitation every day. Child abuse and exploitation occurs in every country of the world. TYPES OF CHILD ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION There are four main forms of child abuse and exploitation: IMPACT OF CHILD ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION Exploitation and abuse have serious effects on children and result in long-term physical and psychological problems. The consequences of exploitation and abuse extend beyond the immediate victims and affect families, communities and the tourism sector.

Neglect

Sexual Abuse

Emotional Abuse

Physical Abuse

What is child

abuse?

Project Childhood (Prevention Pillar) is an AusAID program implemented by World Vision

CARD TWO – BACK

Project Childhood (Prevention Pillar) is an AusAID program implemented by World Vision

CARD THREE - FRONT

What are the risks to children in tourism? Girls and boys are vulnerable to multiple forms of exploitation in tourism destinations, including:

Begging Working as street vendors or performers Working in the tourism industry in unfair, unsafe

or exploitative conditions Sexual exploitation

The travel and tourism industry also facilitates access to vulnerable children, including through supporting:

“orphanage tourism” which can cause harm to children’s development and well-being and put children at risk of abuse

“voluntourism” in children’s organisations without performing adequate checks on volunteers

“home-stays” without ensuring appropriate boundaries between visitors and children

Children’s vulnerability to exploitation and the various forms of exploitation are interlinked.

Project Childhood (Prevention Pillar) is an AusAID program implemented by World Vision

CARD THREE - BACK

Are you a child safe tourism champion? CHILD SAFE TOURISM CHAMPIONS KNOW:

√ ALL CHILDREN HAVE THE RIGHT TO PROTECTION

All children around the world have the right to protection from all forms of abuse. As adults, it is our responsibility to protect children from harm.

√ CHILD EXPLOITATION IS AGAINST THE LAW

There are strict laws to protect children from exploitation around the world and in our country. Heavy penalties apply to travelling child sex offenders and the individuals and businesses who support their crimes.

√CHILD PROTECTION BENEFITS THE TOURISM SECTOR

Child safe tourism is good for business. It attracts responsible tourists, improves the quality of tourism and protects our destination reputation. Positive tourism supports our employment.

√ WE CAN ALL PROTECT CHILDREN FROM EXPLOITATION

Protecting children is not difficult. There are easy steps that we can all take to protect children. Child safe tourism champions recognise risks, take action and report child exploitation.

Project Childhood (Prevention Pillar) is an AusAID program implemented by World Vision

CARD FOUR - FRONT

What can I do to make the tourism environment safe for children? 1. RESPECT CHILDREN Ensure my own behaviour towards girls and boys is appropriate.

2. RAISE AWARENESS Tell my family, colleagues, customers and community about risks to children and how they can ensure children are safe in tourism.

3. BE VIGILANT Be aware of what is happening in my environment. Look for situations where girls and boys may be at risk of exploitation..

4. TAKE ACTION IF A CHILD IS AT RISK Speak up. Follow my company child protection policy. Write down what I saw. And report (turn over for contact numbers).

.

Project Childhood (Prevention Pillar) is an AusAID program implemented by World Vision

CARD FOUR - BACK

How do I make a report? Don’t ignore a situation where children may be at risk of exploitation. By making a report, you may help to prevent abuse. You can:

Inform your manager of the situation.

Call the national child protection hotline.

1800 1567

Contact the local authorities.

Contact a reputable child protection agency.

CARD FIVE – FRONT

Project Childhood (Prevention Pillar) is an AusAID program implemented by World Vision

How child safe is my tourism business? Take the test . . .

Please tick √ the correct answer Yes No

Staff in my business are aware about the issue of child exploitation in tourism

Staff in my business know how to identify whether children may be at risk of exploitation

Staff in my business know how respond and report possible cases of child exploitation, especially sexual abuse

My business supports local vulnerable families, schools and /or social programs in helping children.

Staff in my business have been trained about the issue of child exploitation in tourism

My business has a child protection policy which we actively implement to prevent child exploitation

My business informs customers/partner companies about our commitment to protect children

My business raises general issues and concerns of child exploitation at community and tourism forums

Results: If you ticked ‘Yes’ for all of the above questions, your business is taking excellent steps to protect children. Keep up the good work! If you ticked ‘No’ for any questions, refer to the back of this card for ways in which you can positively build a protective environment for children.

Project Childhood (Prevention Pillar) is an AusAID program implemented by World Vision

CARD FIVE – BACK

Five ways to make my business child safe

1. Have a clear company stance on protecting children. One way to do this is to introduce a child protection policy. A written policy makes it clear that your company will not tolerate abuse. It includes clear processes to prevent and respond to abuse.

2. Make your child safe stance known. Staff, investors and customers prefer responsible businesses, so make your child protection policy known. Educate and empower your staff to take practical action to protect children. Include ‘child safe’ information in your marketing and communications.

3. Bring other companies on board. Protecting children is everyone’s business, so spread the word to other companies. Consider clauses in contracts with suppliers that repudiate child exploitation. Collaborate to build an environment where all children feel safe and secure.

4. Be creative. Think of other ways your company can contribute to a child safe environment. Consider having a donation box for a reputable child protection organisation. Offer employment opportunities for young people at risk and their families. Alternatively you could offer products and services by families to your customers.

5. Take action when you see a child at risk. All children have rights and particularly the right to be safe from abuse and exploitation. Immediately report child protection concerns to police or social services (see card 4).

Project Childhood (Prevention Pillar) is an AusAID program implemented by World Vision

CARD SIX - FRONT

Writing a Child Protection Policy A written policy makes it clear that your company will not tolerate child abuse and exploitation. It includes clear processes to prevent and respond to abuse. It should be simple, practical and achievable. Most importantly, your policy should not just be words on paper – but a set of guidelines which are actively followed by all managers and staff.

For example: Golden Beach Guest House Child Protection Policy The Golden Beach Guest House believes all children should be safe from harm. We will not tolerate abuse. Instead, we will protect children through all of our business practices. • We will provide training for all staff so they are

empowered to act if they see a situation where children face abuse or exploitation.

• We expect and encourage all staff to report any child protection concerns to management.

• The management is committed to follow-up all reports and refer information about child exploitation to the relevant authorities.

• We will actively display the child protection campaign in our business so our customers know our position.

• We will find ways to positively support local children in our community, including raising general issues about child vulnerability to local authorities and community associations.

Project Childhood (Prevention Pillar) is an AusAID program implemented by World Vision

CARD SIX - BACK

Customers prefer child safe businesses Customers prefer responsible businesses that keep children safe from abuse. So, let your customers, investors and partner companies know that your business is committed to protecting children. There are many ways you can do this:

Promote the campaign on your website and in your workplace. Contact us: childsafetourism@wvi.org

Include child safe messaging in your promotional brochures, media and advertising.

Invite your customers to help you in your efforts to protect children. Provide information which informs them how they can be a ‘child safe’ traveller.