The STOPLight

Teen Prostitution

Teen Prostitution,
Author Joan J. Johnson
Published by Franklin Watts,
New York, New York, 170 pages

Every year, millions of young people run away due to intolerable conditions at home. Not only are there adolescent runaways on the street, there are "throwaways" as well. These are youth whose parents have ordered them to leave home and never return.

The author states that teens who end up on the street frequently encounter people who seem friendly and helpful. Runaways and throwaways are easy targets for pimps who flatter and use "love" to hook vulnerable and desperate youth. They manipulate and coerce their victims into prostitution.

Johnson includes an in-depth historical look at prostitution worldwide besides giving examples of how different cultures view prostitution. It does not occur only among poor people in third-world countries, but crosses all socioeconomic classes and is practiced in every country of the world.

Joan Johnson is a high school teacher. She includes an excellent index in which the reader can look up practically any facet of prostitution. There is an extensive bibliography by well-qualified professionals who write about children on the street, drugs, and many other aspects of teen prostitution.

Recommended reading for those wanting to learn about prostitution in general, but also good for those who work with youth and teens at risk.