Exploited Children's Help Organization, 1411 Algonquin Parkway, Louisville, KY (2026)

10/09/2026

🌍 ECHO Pulse: Should Technology Companies Have to Prove Their Platforms Are Safe for Children?

The European Commission has introduced the EU KIDS Act, a proposal that would place more responsibility on technology companies to protect children using social media, video platforms, online games, AI chatbots, and other digital services.

Under the proposal:

-Children under 13 would not be allowed to have social media accounts.

-Young people ages 13 and 14 could use limited accounts managed by a parent or guardian.

-Beginning at age 15, teens could manage their own accounts while continuing to receive stronger protections until age 18.

-The proposal would also require private accounts by default, limits on contact from strangers, easier blocking and muting tools, safer feeds, and restrictions on features that encourage excessive use.

The EU KIDS Act is still a proposal. It must be reviewed by the European Parliament and Council before it can become law, and concerns have been raised about privacy, age verification, and young people’s access to information.

So, why does this matter to us?

We teach young people how to Spot Red Flags, Make a Move, and Talk It Up. We also prepare Safe Adults to listen and respond. But children should not have to carry the full responsibility of staying safe on platforms that were not designed with their wellbeing in mind.

During Bullying Prevention Month, this conversation matters. Cyberbullying does not happen separately from the technology being used. Platform features can make harmful behavior easier to spread, harder to escape, and visible to a much larger audience.

Protecting children online requires shared responsibility. Young people need safety skills and Safe Adults, but technology companies and policymakers also have a role in creating safer digital spaces.

💬💬 Which protection surprised you most, and which one do you think every child’s account should have?

Sources: European Commission and Reuters, September 2026.

10/07/2026

🗣️ Wake Up Wednesday: Supporting Children to Manage Conflict Effectively

Not every disagreement is bullying. Conflict is a normal part of relationships, but young people still need support learning how to communicate, work through problems, and find respectful solutions.

This week’s Wake Up Wednesday guide from The National College shares ways parents and educators can help children manage everyday conflict without immediately taking over.

💡 3 Tips for Parents and Educators:

-Inspire Responsibility

Instead of deciding the entire solution for them, help young people think about their role in the conflict and what they can do next. Being involved in the solution helps them build skills they can use in future disagreements.

-Be Curious

Ask calm questions and give each person an opportunity to explain what happened. Young people may experience the same situation differently, so understanding more than one perspective can help everyone move forward.

-Do Not Ignore or Avoid Conflict

Unresolved concerns can grow into frustration, resentment, and bigger problems. Keep communication open and address the situation before it continues to build.

These tips are intended for everyday conflict. When there is repeated harm, a power imbalance, threats, or safety concerns, a Safe Adult should step in and provide additional support.

💬 Parents and educators: How do you help young people take part in finding a solution after a disagreement?

We appreciate The National College’s Wake Up Wednesday resources for helping parents and educators support safer, healthier relationships.

10/05/2026

💙 Bullying Does Not Always Look the Same

October is Bullying Prevention Month, and one of the first steps in prevention is knowing what bullying can look like.

Bullying involves repeated, intentional harm and a real or perceived difference in power. It can happen in person, online, through words, or through exclusion.

MBF highlights four common forms:

Physical bullying includes hitting, pushing, damaging belongings, or using physical actions to hurt or intimidate someone.

Emotional or verbal bullying includes name-calling, threats, cruel comments, humiliation, or repeated words meant to hurt someone.

Social bullying includes spreading rumors, leaving someone out on purpose, embarrassing them, or damaging their friendships or reputation.

Digital bullying happens through social media, texts, gaming platforms, group chats, or other online spaces. It may include harmful messages, rumors, images, impersonation, or intentional exclusion.

Some forms are easier to notice than others. Understanding the differences can help young people and Safe Adults Spot Red Flags and respond before the harm continues.

Throughout Bullying Prevention Month, ECHO will share information and practical resources to help young people, parents, educators, and other Safe Adults recognize bullying, respond safely, and keep the conversation going.

📖 Want to learn more? MBF’s Bullying 101 blog explains more about the different forms of bullying and their impact. We have linked it in the comments below.

📲 Save or share this post to help someone recognize the different ways bullying can happen.

Graphic and information courtesy of MBF Prevention Education Programs.

10/05/2026

💙 October is Bullying Prevention Month
Before we can prevent bullying, we have to Know What’s Up and understand what bullying really looks like.

Not every disagreement, friendship problem, or hurtful comment is bullying. That does not mean those experiences should be ignored. It means the response may need to be different.

Conflict happens when people with similar power disagree or hurt each other’s feelings. Both people may have a role in what happened, and they can often work toward a solution with support.

Bullying involves unwanted, aggressive behavior, a real or perceived power imbalance, and behavior that is repeated or has the potential to be repeated.

Knowing the difference matters. Conflict may require guidance, communication, and problem solving. Bullying requires adults to step in, address the behavior, and help the young person feel safe.

Whatever the label, when a child says something is wrong, the first step is to listen.

Throughout October, ECHO will share information to help our community recognize bullying, Spot Red Flags, respond as Safe Adults, support Safety Buddies, and help young people Talk It Up.

Follow along and share these posts with another parent, caregiver, educator, coach, or Safe Adult. Bullying prevention takes all of us.

Source: StopBullying.gov

10/05/2026

🍎 World Teachers’ Day

To the teachers who keep showing up for our children, thank you.

We know your days hold so much more than lesson plans. You are often the person who notices when a student is not acting like themselves, listens when they need to talk, celebrates the small wins, and helps them find support when something feels too big to handle alone.

Those moments matter. They are part of what being a Safe Adult can look like.

The past few years, and even the past few weeks, have been heavy for many educators and school communities. We want you to know that your care, patience, and presence are seen and deeply appreciated.

At ECHO, we witness that care every time a teacher welcomes us into their classroom, helps students feel comfortable participating, and continues the conversation after we leave.

Today, we celebrate you. Thank you for always bee-ing there for our kids and for helping them feel seen, supported, and safe. 🐝💙

Share this post with or tag a teacher who deserves to hear it.

10/04/2026

TEN-4 on 10/4

Knowing what to look for can help an adult take action sooner.
Every October 4, the Kosair for Kids Face It Movement recognizes TEN-4 Day to help more people learn about bruising that could be a red flag for child abuse.

Bruises can happen during everyday play, but the location, pattern, and age of the child can matter. The TEN-4-FACESp Bruising Rule helps adults recognize when a bruise on a young child may need a closer look.

At ECHO, we believe prevention starts when adults Know What’s Up, Spot Red Flags, and understand how to respond.

From October 4 through 9, the Face It Movement and Kosair for Kids will be hosting educational events and sharing resources. Visit their websites and social media pages to learn more and see how you can participate.

We are grateful for their partnership and for the work they continue to do for Kentucky’s children and families. 💙
Remember, every adult in Kentucky is a mandated reporter. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call 1-877-KYSAFE1 or 1-877-597-2331.

10/04/2026

TEN-4 on 10/4

Knowing what to look for can help an adult take action sooner.
Every October 4, the Kosair for Kids Face It Movement recognizes TEN-4 Day to help more people learn about bruising that could be a red flag for child abuse.

Bruises can happen during everyday play, but the location, pattern, and age of the child can matter. The TEN-4-FACESp Bruising Rule helps adults recognize when a bruise on a young child may need a closer look.

At ECHO, we believe prevention starts when adults Know What’s Up, Spot Red Flags, and understand how to respond.

From October 4 through 9, the Face It Movement and Kosair for Kids will be hosting educational events and sharing resources. Visit their websites and social media pages to learn more and see how you can participate.

We are grateful for their partnership and for the work they continue to do for Kentucky’s children and families. 💙
Remember, every adult in Kentucky is a mandated reporter. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call 1-877-KYSAFE1 or 1-877-597-2331.

10/02/2026

💙 Connection Matters.

Throughout this campaign, we explored how friendship affects the brain and what healthy and unhealthy relationships can look like.

We talked about boundaries, Red Flags, online connections, safety plans, checking in, responding when a child is going through something difficult, and knowing when a situation requires more support.

We also highlighted the roles of Safe Adults and Safety Buddies, reminding young people that friends can listen and help, but they should never feel responsible for handling a serious situation alone.

Thank you to TED-Ed, One Love Foundation, SAMHSA, the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, the Tony Bennett Memorial Foundation, The National College’s Wake Up Wednesday, and the Monique Burr Foundation for Children for providing resources that helped strengthen these conversations.

As the campaign closes, ECHO’s 5 Safety Rules continue:

Know What’s Up. Spot Red Flags. Make a Move. Talk It Up. No Blame. No Shame.

These rules help children recognize concerns, set boundaries, speak up, reach a Safe Adult, and remember that what happened is never their fault.

The campaign may be ending, but the conversation is not.

Because All Kids Are Our Kids. 💙

***dePrevention

09/30/2026

💙 Connection Matters: Every Child Needs a Safe Adult

Earlier today, we shared how parents and educators can support children through difficult experiences. Now, let’s help children recognize the people they can turn to when they feel hurt, unsafe, or unsure.

This video from the Monique Burr Foundation for Children explains what makes someone a Safe Adult and reminds children that they deserve to feel safe.

Safety Buddies matter too. A friend can listen, notice when something may be wrong, and encourage someone to Talk It Up with a Safe Adult. Friends can support each other, but they should never feel responsible for handling a serious or unsafe situation alone.

💬 Parents and educators: How do you let young people know they can come to you when something feels wrong?

Thank you to the Monique Burr Foundation for Children for creating educational resources that help children learn and use the 5 Safety Rules.

09/30/2026

Wake Up Wednesday: Dealing with Traumatic and Challenging Events

💙Connection matters, especially when a child is going through something difficult. They may not always know how to explain what they are feeling, but having a Safe Adult who listens, stays calm, and takes their feelings seriously can help them feel supported and less alone.

Children and young people may experience loss, illness, bullying, family changes, violence, or other challenging events. These experiences can affect their emotions, behavior, relationships, and school life.

This week’s Wake Up Wednesday guide from The National College shares 10 ways parents and educators can help.

💡 3 Tips We’re Highlighting:

Be Aware of Your Own Responses

Children often notice and mirror adult emotions. Staying calm during difficult moments can help them feel more secure and show them a healthy way to manage stress.

Avoid Dismissing or Minimizing Feelings

Comments like “It’s not that bad” or “You’re okay” may be intended as reassurance, but they can make a child feel unheard. Acknowledge what they are feeling so they know it is safe to keep talking. Listening without blame or shame can make it easier for them to reach out again.

Seek Professional Support

If concerns continue, worsen, or begin affecting daily life, connect the child with appropriate professional support.

Being a Safe Adult does not mean having every answer. Sometimes connection begins by listening, acknowledging what a child is feeling, and helping them find the support they need.

For additional resources, visit our website through the link in our bio or contact our office. We can help point you in the right direction.

📲 Save and share this guide with a parent, caregiver, educator, or Safe Adult.

We appreciate The National College’s Wake Up Wednesday resources for helping parents and educators support children through difficult experiences.

Exploited Children's Help Organization

10/09/2026

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