Children living and working in tourist areas are especially vulnerable to physical, emotional and sexual
abuse. Your small actions can make a big difference to create a safer tourism environment and help
prevent child abuse and exploitation.
ACTION 1
Child sexual abuse is against the law. Never engage in any
sexual activity with a person under the age of 18 years.
ACTION 2
Instead of giving money directly to children begging or
selling food or souvenirs, purchase from local businesses
and social enterprises that support families and
communities, or donate to reputable children’s charities.
ACTION 3
Please don’t support ‘orphanage tourism’. Visiting and
volunteering with children in institutional care can be
detrimental to their emotional and physical well-being.
Instead support organisations and initiatives that enable
children to be cared for within a family.
ACTION 4
Always ask permission before taking photos of children
and never take them anywhere without the supervision
and permission of their parents or guardians.
ACTION 5
Spread the word about Child Safe Tourism. Share this
information with your friends and family while you
travel and when you return home.
ACTION 6
If you see or suspect child abuse tell your hotel, tour
guide or someone who can take action to protect the
child. Contact numbers for Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand
and Vietnam, as well as international agencies, are listed
on
Be a Child Safe Traveller
To learn more about what you can do to help protect children
in South East Asia, visit
