Protecting Our Kids from Sex Trafficking
It is important to talk to our children about sex trafficking. It can help prevent them from becoming a victim. In addition, it can help them bring awareness to their friends and others. The more awareness that we bring to this topic, the better chance there is of protecting others and ourselves. In discussing sex trafficking with your children it is important to teach them about “grooming” tactics that traffickers use. Also talk to your child about luring tactics. As parents it is important to know who our kid’s friends and their parents. There are instances of peer to peer recruitment in schools. It is beneficial to even talk to your child’s school and find out what they know about grooming and sex trafficking.
It is also important to talk to your child about internet safety and social media. A lot of the grooming tactics now start online. Know your child’s passwords to all of their devices. Teach your child about sextortion – the threat to reveal intimate images.
There is a helpful article for parents on www.socialwork.asu.edu
The Canadian Center to End Human Trafficking has listed some signs that your child might be trafficked or in the stages of being groomed.
- Older boyfriend who appears to be controlling
- Visits places frequently such as hotels, motels and clubs
- Dresses provocatively and stays out late
- Distancing from childhood friends and from family
- Loss of interest in their sports or other extracurricular activities that used to be important
- Drinking alcohol and drug use
- Lying and unable to recall events
- False ID and more than one cell phone
- Skipping school and meals
- Depressed and/or anxious
- Having expensive gifts such as clothing, jewelry, purses
- More secretive
- Talking about a modeling or acting agent that wants them to act or model abroad or in another city