At Withlocals, the safety and protection of local communities are super important to us, especially the kids in those local communities. That is why we have created these guidelines to ensure guests and hosts are equipped to respect & protect children in the local communities.
📸 Photos
If you wouldn't take a photo of a child you don't know at your home, you shouldn't do it on a trip either. Kids are not attractions, and their privacy must be protected. If you want to take a photo of anyone, including children, the keyword here is permission. In this case, it’s important to get permission from a parent or guardian responsible for the child. If there isn't one nearby, no pictures of the child are allowed..
👩🏫 Classrooms & Orphanages
Classrooms and orphanages are not tourist stops; this is a place to protect, and educate children. Visiting these spots is disruptive to the kids, so it's important to avoid visiting these places altogether.
💵 Handouts
It's best to avoid handouts to kids as it can get them in the habit of missing school to reach out to tourists for money. There can also be times where adults are forcing the kids to beg for them. It is better to give money to a trusted charity that helps children get a better life.
👮♀️ Safety
If you see a child in an unsafe situation, don't ignore it. Report it to the authorities so that the child can get help. Always ask your local host for advice or if they can call themselves if you're together. We always work with hosts that care for their local community and want the best for their people and kids.
DO's & DON'T with Children when you travel
✅ Treat kids with respect
✅ Help kids out if you see they're in a dangerous situation by calling the authorities
✅ Ask permission for photos
✅ Respect the local laws and traditions, remember you are not above any law in any place
❌ Do not visit any classroom or orphanage as it disrupts the children
❌ Don't offer handouts to kids, support a charity instead
❌ Never mistreat any child or act in a way that can be perceived as that
❌ Do not be alone with a child or bring them back to your accommodation, you will put yourself at risk as it can be suspicious
❌ Never be violent physically or sexually to any human or child
❌ Don't take photos of kids without permission. If permission is granted, do not share the photos online with any kind of personal information that may leave the child in a vulnerable situation (name, location, etc)
❌ Avoid creating a personal bond with a child as you cannot sustain that after the visit
** If you feel any of the Withlocals experience partake or promote any negative behavior towards children, please report to info@withlocals.com