A comprehensive guide to protect your young entrepreneur while running a neighborhood business. Review together as a family.
Identifying vulnerabilities helps us create safeguards. Here's what to consider.
Publishing Jack's personal cell phone on the internet exposes him to spam, scams, unwanted contact, and potential predators who could call/text directly.
Use a separate business phone number (Google Voice) that forwards to a parent's phone. Parents screen all incoming calls/texts before passing to Jack.
An 11-year-old working alone at unfamiliar homes creates vulnerability. Even in a safe neighborhood, this requires precautions.
Parent accompanies Jack for ALL first-time clients. After vetting, Jack can work independently at approved homes with check-in protocols.
Since Jack lives in the same neighborhood he serves, someone could follow him home or figure out where he lives from the service area.
Never list specific address. Vary routes home. Parents pick up/drop off when possible. Be aware of surroundings when walking home.
A public YouTube channel could reveal personal information through videos, comments, or channel details. Could also attract unwanted attention.
Enable strict privacy settings. Disable comments or set to approval-only. Never show home, school, or identifiable locations. Parents review all content before posting.
Handling cash creates risk of theft or disputes. Digital payments to a minor's account could have legal/tax implications.
All payments go through parent's Venmo/Zelle/PayPal. Avoid cash when possible. If cash, don't carry large amounts. Parents manage business finances.
Website, social media, and online presence could reveal too much personal information (full name, age, school, photos).
Use first name only on website. Don't mention school or specific age. Use illustrated mascot instead of real photos. No personal social media links.
Follow this process for every new client to ensure Jack's safety.
A potential client contacts the business number.
Are they a known neighbor, family friend, or referred by someone you trust?
Before accepting any job, verify the client is legitimate.
Parent ALWAYS accompanies Jack on the first visit to any new client.
Does the parent feel comfortable with Jack working here independently?
For approved clients, Jack can work independently with these safeguards.
After each job, confirm Jack is safe and the job went well.
Understanding benefits and risks helps make informed decisions.
Complete these tasks before Jack starts working.
Create a separate phone number that keeps Jack's personal number private.
Parents should always know where Jack is while he's working.
Ensure the YouTube channel doesn't expose personal information.
Route all payments through parents to avoid financial risks.
Maintain a list of vetted clients where Jack can work independently.
Clear communication keeps everyone informed and Jack safe.
"Heading to [Client] at [Address]"
"At [Client]. Starting now."
"Done. Heading home."
"Home!"
Respond within 5 minutes while working
If 15 min late, parent calls
Parent goes to location immediately
All work is outside only
No rides from clients, ever
"My parents prefer no photos"
Know what to do if something doesn't feel right.
Choose a secret word Jack can text if in trouble but can't speak freely.
Example: "PINEAPPLE" → "Can you bring me a pineapple?" = Come NOW
Complete all items before Jack starts working.