1. Child Welfare Policy & Guidelines 🚸
At Withlocals, the safety & protection of local communities is super important to us, especially the kids in those local communities. That is why we have created these guidelines to ensure hosts are equipped to respect & protect children in the local communities.
📸 Photos
Kids are not attractions, their privacy must be protected. If you want to take a photo of anyone, including children, it's ethical to first ask for permission. In the case of children, permission from a parent or guardian of the child should be asked. If there isn't any parent nearby, no pictures should be taken.
👩🏫 Classrooms & Orphanages
Classrooms & 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. Hosts are advised not to bring guests to these places.
💴 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 situations in which adults force kids to beg for them. It's better to support a local charity through donations than giving handouts. You can ask your host for great ones to support you during your trip.
👮♀️Safety
If you see a child in an unsafe situation, don't ignore it. Please report it to the authorities so that the child can get help. You can ask your host for help or indeed report it themselves.
2. Go local! 🛶
One of the biggest benefits travel brings is the share of wealth around the world. Putting travelers in the right pockets is the most efficient way to spread wealth more evenly, to those who can really benefit from it. Try your best to avoid multi-corporations when traveling and support the local and authentic spots, for the best experience and conscience.
*** Keep in mind, every place is different and has its own magic and issues. Engage with your host about this and do what you can to respect and protect the community that you are visiting.