Walking Wise® encourages parents, grandparents, and other caregivers to take charge of their child’s education. It’s Walking Wise’s mission to help you hold candid conversations about sexual exploitation and abuse. The goal is for your child to recognize unsafe adult behaviors and come to you for guidance and protection.
“Upon completing the Unsafe Adult, Grooming, and Sextortion lessons, my granddaughter said,
The concept of "Stranger Danger" is no longer widely promoted because it can create a false sense of security and does not reflect the modern realities of child exploitation and abuse. Research shows that most predators are not strangers but rather individuals the child knows and trusts—such as family members, friends, and authority figures.
Today's approach focuses on empowerment through education, teaching children to recognize unsafe behaviors rather than fearing unfamiliar faces. By fostering open conversations, developing critical thinking skills, and encouraging kids to trust their instincts, we help them identify and respond to potential dangers more confidently.
This shift ensures that children feel empowered to speak up, seek help, and understand that everyone—not just strangers— must respect their boundaries.
Myths & Reality
Trustworthy vs. Adult
Grooming Process
Pornography Link
Sextortion Scheme
Male Victims
Runaways as Targets
Rural Risks
Human Traffickers
Female Recruiters
Family Secret
Hidden Buyers
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) instructs parents to “Always affirm that you believe your child and will do everything you can to protect them from harm.” If your child discloses sexual abuse, parents should take action, such as contacting the child’s pediatrician, a local child advocacy center, or a child protection service agency.
For more information, visit the AAP's website at HealthyChildren.org
In addition, if there are any suspicions of child sex trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or visit HumanTraffickingHotline.org
You may also contact Rescue America at 833-599-FREE (3733).
Report Suspicions of Human Trafficking to:
National Human Trafficking Hotline
Send a Text to 233733 (BEFREE); 1-888-373-7888
Rescue America
833-599-FREE (3733)