The STOPLight

Kids: Beware of pimps! Be aware!

Teachers and speakers may wish to copy this article and use it as a starting point for group discussion.

Pimps have many ways to trick you, trap you, or force you into prostitution. Here are some of the tricks they use. Don't fall for their lines!

Scenario

A stranger comes up to you in a shopping mall, video arcade, at a concert, the state fair, or any place else you hang out. The person -- usually a male -- tries to get you to talk to him. Sometimes there are one or two guys along with a woman. Often, the person may be from another culture than you, may wear cool clothes, drive a hot car, maybe talk with a foreign accent -- just seem really exotic and exciting -- way more mature and cool than other guys you know.

What happens next

The stranger may...

• Bump into you, apologize and start to talk with you
• Compliment you, whistle at you, flatter you; if you act like you like it, he will start a conversation
• Ask if you like excitement
• Say he can get you drugs or alcohol
• Say that with your looks and body he can get you into modeling or dancing; help you earn big money
• Say he can get you a fake ID
• Accuse you of being stuck up or prejudiced if you won't talk to him

What's really going on

The pimp is trying to find out how he can hook you. He is scoping you out to learn where you feel insecure, what you like, what your dreams are, if you use drugs. The more he can get you to talk about yourself, your family life and your friends, the more things he has to manipulate you with -- more ways to hook you.

If you are ever in this situation, here's what you can do

• Tell him you don't want to talk to him, and don't be concerned about hurting his feelings. You have the right to not talk to someone.
• Tell him you are waiting for your parents.
• Tell the friends you are with that you want to go -- and don't leave one of your friends alone with the man
• Refuse to respond to anything he says. Again, you have the right not to talk to someone.
• Tell him if he doesn't leave you alone, you will get a security guard
• If you do talk with him and feel scared that he may follow you when you leave, don't leave alone! Call your parents to come and get you and stay in a public place where other people are around.

We want you to be safe. Chances are, no one has told you about pimps and how they work. We have seen how devastating prostitution is to people who are caught in it, and we don't want that to happen to you! Listen closely when the little voice deep inside of you says, "Beware!"

For discussion

• Can you think of other ways pimps could try to trick you?
• What other things could you do or say to get the pimp to leave you alone?
• Can you plan ahead with your parents or someone you trust what to do if you get into a situation that makes you uncomfortable?