Human Trafficking: 10 SAFETY TIPS FOR TEENS!
The facts show 1 in four slaves is under 18 years of age.
Human trafficking is a severe and widespread issue affecting millions of people globally. It involves the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for various purposes, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and involuntary servitude. Here at Strickland’s Martial Arts we take human trafficking and child exploitation seriously.
Definition and Forms:
Sex Trafficking: Involves forcing or coercing individuals, often women and children, into prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation.
Labor Trafficking: Encompasses forced labor in industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, domestic work, and construction. Victims are often kept in inhumane conditions and paid little or nothing.
Child Trafficking: Involves the recruitment, transportation, or harboring of children for exploitation. This includes child labor, sexual exploitation, and forced involvement in armed conflicts.
Organ Trafficking: The illegal trade of human organs for transplantation, often involving the coercion or exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
Tips for Parents of Teens!
Parents: Monitor social media accounts.
In the U.S., the majority of traffickers find their victims through social media, especially visual sites like Instagram. Photos that appear innocent to parents can often attract the attention of sex trafficking recruiters (some of whom may be family members). Keep accounts set to “Private” at all times. Have continuous discussions with your kids about online safety.
Juniors & Teens:
Talk with trusted adults about anyone who makes you uncomfortable.
Never share provocative photos of yourself or others.
Make sure your parents have access to your online passwords and searches.
Avoid online gaming or video chat rooms. These are open windows for predators to crawl through
Parents: Make sure your teen never goes out alone.
Teenagers who are alone in malls, movie theaters, skating rinks, etc. are a top target for
traffickers. This is particularly important when travelling. Coach your child to be aware of their
surroundings and any person who stares or follows them. Make sure they know how to ask for
help. Also, make sure that your teen knows to never meet a stranger in person, even if they
think they know them from online interactions.
Juniors & Teens:
Tell your parents where you are and who you are with at all times.
Introduce all your contacts and friends to your parents.
Parents: Create a secret code word or phrase.
For example, “I’m fine” or “I’m OK” really means, “I’m NOT OK! I need help!” Teens may have
gone willingly only to realize that they are now in a dangerous situation. Discuss what you
should do if the secret phrase is used: Have a follow-up text ready? Call the police?
Juniors & Teens:
Keep important phone numbers on your person at all times.
Parents: Discuss how traffickers target victims.
Young people 8-14 years old are the most desired commodity to sex traffickers. Demand tight
controls and open transparency with any online interactions, including video games.
Juniors & Teens:
Don’t accept money, gifts or free travel from people your parents don’t know.
Make sure your parents have access to your online passwords and searches.
Verify any business that wants to interview you for a job. Ask for the Employer Identification Number (EIN) and check that number out online.
If you are in immediate danger, Call 911 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline number (888) 373-7888 to report suspicious trafficking situations.
Parents: Teach children to watch their drinks.
Recruiters are known to infiltrate parties and attempt to drug victims. Teach children to never
leave a beverage or food unattended.
Juniors and Teens:
Don’t accept drinks or food from people your parents don’t know
Parents: Install GPS tracking.
GPS tracking and location services apps can be acquired from your cell phone carrier. Trackers
can also be installed on a teen’s car, so that you or authorities can locate them.
Juniors and teens:
Tell your parents where you are and who you are with at all times.
