How to Talk to Your Children About Human Trafficking
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In the United States, an estimated 365,000 children go missing each year, with approximately 30% (about 109,000 children) believed to be victims of trafficking.”
(Saved in America)
Human trafficking is a difficult but necessary topic to address with your children. While it may feel terrifying to explain, open and age-appropriate conversations can help empower children to recognize unsafe situations and seek help when needed. As January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, it’s the perfect time to start this important dialogue—it could save your child’s life.
Why Talk About Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking doesn’t just happen in faraway places—it’s a pervasive crime that can occur in any community, regardless of location, socioeconomic status, or cultural background. It affects people of all ages, but children and teens are particularly vulnerable. Traffickers often prey on their innocence and trust, using manipulation, deceit, and coercion to exploit them for labor or sex.
These predators are skilled at identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities, such as low self-esteem, a lack of supportive relationships, or financial struggles. They may use tactics like offering gifts, affection, or promises of a better life to gain trust, only to trap their victims in situations that are difficult to escape.
By educating your child about the realities of human trafficking, you empower them to recognize warning signs, establish clear boundaries, and seek help if something feels unsafe. Knowledge is one of the most effective tools for prevention, providing children with the confidence to protect themselves and others in their community.
Tips for Having an Age-Appropriate Conversation
1. Tailor the Conversation to Their Age
Young Children (Ages 5–9):
Focus on general safety concepts like the importance of staying close to trusted adults, recognizing "safe" versus "unsafe" situations, and saying no to inappropriate requests. Avoid graphic details and keep the conversation simple and reassuring.Example: "If a grown-up you don’t know ever asks you to go somewhere, it’s okay to say no and tell me or another adult you trust."
Preteens & Teens (Ages 10+):
Introduce more specific scenarios, including risks associated with online interactions and peer pressure. Many individuals at these ages know when something feels off, yet may not have the boundaries or know-how to walk away from a risky situation. Use concrete examples to help them identify manipulative behaviors.Example: "If someone online asks you for personal information, photos, or to meet in person, that could be dangerous. Always come to me if this happens, no matter what."
2. Use Everyday Situations to Start the Conversation
Look for natural opportunities to bring up the topic, such as:
Watching a news story or documentary about trafficking.
Discussing online safety when they’re using apps or social media.
Talking about healthy relationships and boundaries in their friendships.
This approach makes the conversation feel less forced and more relatable.
3. Teach Them to Recognize Red Flags
Help your child understand what grooming and exploitation might look like:
In Person: Someone who offers them gifts, attention, or opportunities that seem “too good to be true.”
Online: Someone who tries to gain their trust quickly, asks them to keep secrets, or pressures them to send photos or personal information.
Use clear examples to make these concepts easier to grasp.
4. Encourage Open Communication
Reassure your child that they can always come to you if something feels wrong or confusing. Create an environment of trust by listening without judgment. Let them know:
It’s not their fault if someone makes them uncomfortable.
You will always support and protect them, no matter the situation.
5. Empower Them With Tools for Safety
Teach your child practical strategies to stay safe:
Set Boundaries: Encourage them to trust their instincts and say no to anything that feels uncomfortable.
Know Who to Trust: Emphasize the importance of staying connected to trusted adults and friends.
Have a Safety Plan: Discuss who they can contact and what to do if they feel threatened or unsafe.
Establish Communication: Make sure you know where they’re at and who they’re with as well as a means to communicate with them via phone for any emergencies.
Addressing Online Safety
With children spending more time online, it’s critical to address the risks of trafficking in digital spaces:
Talk About Privacy: Explain why they should never share personal information, even with people they think they know. Many accounts get hacked and/or duplicated.
Monitor Their Activity: Keep an open dialogue about the apps and websites they use, and ensure their accounts have strong privacy settings.
Teach Critical Thinking: Help them recognize manipulative tactics, like flattery or promises of potential opportunities.
Be Proactive with Resources and Support
You don’t have to navigate this conversation alone. Many organizations provide resources to help families understand and prevent human trafficking:
Safer Together: Juliette’s House offers a free adult training program for child abuse prevent. Contact baylie@julietteshouse.org to learn more.
Personal Safety Devices: Organizations like InvisaWear offer jewelry and accessories designed to protect your loved ones by providing tracking capabilities and quick access to emergency services in risky situations.
National Human Trafficking Hotline: Call 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733.
NetSmartz (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children): Offers online safety tools for kids and families.
By being proactive and informed, you can help protect your child from the dangers of trafficking while fostering their confidence and awareness.
A Shared Responsibility
Talking to your children about human trafficking is about empowering them to make safe choices and understand the world around them. While the subject can be uncomfortable, the conversation is crucial in equipping them with the knowledge and power to act accordingly in any potentially harmful situation. This National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, take the step to reducing the number of children and families impacted by human trafficking.