The web is full of helpful information about sexting, online safety and the impact of labeling children as sex offenders. I’ve included a few resources below.
In the meantime, no matter how old you are, stay safe online!
Resources
Nude #Selfies and the Need to Protect Our Children
An open letter written by L.A. County Sheriff Jim McDonnell
(Google “Jim McDonnell” and “selfies”)
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
A great resource for information about the threats posed by sexual predators as well as tips on how to keep your kids safe online.
(http://www.missingkids.com/safety)
Raised on the Registry: The Irreparable Harm of Placing Children on Sex Offender Registries in the U.S
Human Rights Watch Report, 2013
An eye-opening report about the consequences of labeling children as sex offenders.
(www.hrw.org)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR ABUSE OF DISCRETION
Why is sexting so prevalent among teens today?
What is the earliest age a child should be allowed to have a cell phone?
Should sex education be taught in schools? If so, at what age?
What can be done to help children understand the life-changing repercussions of sexting and posting inappropriate content online?
Do you think children who sext should be charged with possession/distribution of child pornography?
Should all states change their child pornography laws so that children who sext are treated less severely than adult purveyors of child pornography?
Some parents believe that it is an inappropriate invasion of a child’s privacy rights to monitor their online activities. Do you agree or disagree?
Have you spoken to the children in your life about sexting and online safety? Why or why not?
How do you feel about the fact that, in many states, the police can question a child without parental permission?
What were some of the things you liked/disliked most about Abuse of Discretion?
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I’d like to start by thanking my diehard friends—some old, some new—who critiqued the early drafts of Abuse of Discretion: Analla Reid (my teen consultant), Dyanne Nelson, Margarita Alejandro, Lauren Cook, Rev. Deborah Manns, Jerome Norris, Jabari Akil, Olivia Smith (I truly appreciate your eagle eye!), Julie Ungerman (my real-life Jenny!), Star Rice (my biggest fan in the ATL), Cynthia Hebron (my ride-or-die homegirl) and Alicia Evans (Girlfriend, I refused to send this book to press until I got your blessing!).
I’m also grateful for the experts who not only critiqued Abuse of Discretion, but took the time to answer my many, many questions about their area of expertise: Faye Mandell, psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker, Jeffery Probasco, former Director of Eastlake Juvenile Hall (thanks for the tour), Lori Lee Gray, L.A. County Deputy District Attorney (who’s nothing like my imaginary prosecutors), Sherri L. Cunningham, dependency lawyer and Supervising Attorney with the Law Offices of Rachel Ewing, Shirley A. Henderson, Law Office of Shirley A. Henderson (thanks for being such a diehard fan of my work and a dedicated defender of our children), and the Honorable Catherine Pratt, Commissioner, Compton Juvenile Court.
To my friend and extraordinary publicist Ella Curry of EDC Creations Media Group, LLC, thanks for sending me back to the drawing board on this one. You always give it to me straight. Your honest critique was much appreciated and helped me create a much stronger story.
Many thanks to my assistant Lynel Washington and the members of my writing group, the Prize Writers, who were the first to lay eyes on this book, Arlene L. Walker, Darlene Hayes, Mark Jones and Dwayne Alexander Smith. Thanks for pushing me to become a better writer.
As always, thanks to my fans! I truly appreciate your support!
We hope you enjoyed Abuse of Discretion. All of Pamela’s novels are available in print, e-book and audio book formats, everywhere books are sold.
To read an excerpt of all of Pamela’s books, visit
www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com.
* * *
Vernetta Henderson Mysteries
Every Reasonable Doubt (1st in series)
In Firm Pursuit (2nd in series)
Murder on the Down Low (3rd in series)
Attorney-Client Privilege (4th in series)
Lawful Deception (5th in series)
Angela Evans Mysteries
Buying Time (1st in series)
Anybody’s Daughter (2nd in series)
Abuse of Discretion (3rd in series)
Short Stories
The Setup
Easy Money
Unlawful Greed
Non-Fiction
Kinky Coily: A Natural Hair Resource Guide
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pamela Samuels Young is an attorney and award-winning author of multiple legal thrillers. A passionate advocate for sexually exploited children, Pamela speaks frequently on the topics of child sex trafficking, sexting, online safety, fiction writing and pursing your passion. Pamela is also a natural hair enthusiast and the author of Kinky Coily: A Natural Hair Resource Guide. The former journalist and Compton native is a graduate of USC, Northwestern University and UC Berkeley’s School of Law. She resides in the Los Angeles area.
Pamela loves to hear from readers! There are a multitude of ways to connect with her.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pamelasamuelsyoung and
www.facebook.com/kinkycoilypamela
Twitter: www.twitter.com/pamsamuelsyoung
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pamelasamuelsyoung
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/kinkycoily
YouTube: www.youtube.com/kinkycoilypamela
BLAST (Book Lovers Against Sex Trafficking): www.blastunited.com
To schedule Pamela for a speaking engagement or book club meeting via speakerphone, Skype, FaceTime or in person, visit her website at www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com.
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