Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates

LOUISVILLE, KY – Kids’ safety was once again prioritized by the Kentucky Senate with their overwhelming bipartisan support of Senate Bill 73 today. Through the leadership of Senator Julie Raque Adams, SB 73 will empower victims of sexual extortion by holding perpetrators accountable and will prioritize prevention education among Kentucky’s most vulnerable to online risks.

Online sexual extortion – or “sextortion” – is a reality facing our elementary through high school students. In fact, nationally, over half of minors perceive online grooming as common among children their age. Yet, due to shame and embarrassment, one in three victims do not disclose their experience with sextortion. Kentucky can do more to keep kids safe while they are in digital spaces.

While the newly adopted Senate floor amendment raises the grade level in which posted educational materials around sexual extortion are displayed – from fourth to sixth grade – this bill will still empower more Kentucky students with age-appropriate knowledge around the red flags and what to do if it does happen to themselves or a peer. SB 73 also gives victims a means to seek justice and recover damages.

With the Kosair for Kids Face It Movement, we applaud Senator Raque Adams for being a champion for child abuse and exploitation prevention and sponsoring SB 73. We now call on Kentucky’s representatives to uphold their commitments to child safety and ensure this legislation passes through the House.

Kosair for Kids Face It Movement shares more about keeping kids safe online in the Cyber Safety 101 resource.

Stay up-to-date on Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities and other bills that are good for kids on our Kentucky General Assembly Bill Tracker.

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About Kentucky Youth Advocates
Kentucky Youth Advocates believes all children deserve to be safe, healthy, and secure. As THE independent voice for Kentucky’s children, we work to ensure policymakers create investments and policies that are good for children. Learn more at www.kyyouth.org.