Blog

We believe that policy change is necessary to keep our kids safe online. It’s no longer a choice whether children will use the internet – it’s a fact of life. And it’s our responsibility to make sure they can do so safely.

Learn more here

NEW YORK – Two luxury real estate agents and their brother were arraigned in federal court Friday on sex trafficking charges.

Prosecutors said they’ve spoken to more than 60 alleged victims of the three men so far.

The Alexander brothers – twins Oren and Alon, and their older brother Tal, all in their late 30s – entered the courtroom wearing prison clothing with their hands cuffed and feet shackled. They pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors allege the three worked together and with others to drug, sexually assault and rape dozens of victims, luring them in with the promise of romantic relationships, luxury travel, parties and events.

Tal and Oren Alexander were luxury real estate agents in New York City and Miami. In 2019, Tal Alexander gave CBS a tour of a Manhattan penthouse. Alon Alexander was a private security firm owned by the family.

Read more here.

The Parents Television and Media Council (PTC) is warning parents and families about a sexually suggestive new Carl’s Jr. ad to air on traditional and streaming television outlets ahead of the February 9 Super Bowl game. The ad is already available to watch online.

“Carl’s Jr. has taken a page from the pornography industry with the sexually suggestive imagery that references a ‘money shot’ in its new ad, and families should beware as the ad will air before the Super Bowl game on different media outlets,” said Melissa Henson, vice president, Parents Television and Media Council.

“Using ‘soft core porn’ to sell burgers was Carl’s Jr.’s previous strategy years ago – and one we called out. In 2017 the company appeared to have a change of heart, wisely realizing that strategy was ‘distracting.’ But like Hollywood ‘s mindset of reviving old ideas, Carl’s Jr. must have dusted off its outdated playbook, forgetting that it alienated customerswith its racy ad campaigns years ago.

“We urge Carl’s Jr. to reconsider airing this ad campaign. We also warn parents to try to steer clear of this commercial over the coming weekend,” Henson said.

This report examines opportunities to interrupt entry points into systems and strengthen the provision and accessibility of community-based services for children and youth at risk of, or impacted by, trafficking, providing guidance on:

1. Connecting youth with comprehensive services within, and outside of, systems
2. Interrupting vulnerabilities (e.g., family crisis, housing insecurity)
3. Reducing dependency on formal child-serving systems while supporting families and meeting the child’s holistic needs

Read more here.