How to Keep Kids Safe from Trafficking as They Go Back to School

As the back-to-school season approaches, parents and guardians focus on preparing their children for a successful academic year. While buying school supplies and meeting new teachers are essential tasks, it’s also crucial to prioritize your child’s safety, particularly against the growing threat of human trafficking. Trafficking can happen to anyone, but children and teenagers are especially vulnerable. Here’s how you can help keep your kids safe as they head back to school.

Educate Yourself and Your Children

Understanding what trafficking is and how traffickers operate is the first step in prevention. Traffickers often prey on vulnerabilities, using manipulation, coercion, and deceit. They might pose as friends, romantic interests, or even authority figures. Make sure your children understand the risks, especially online, where traffickers frequently target young people.

Conversation Tips:

Age-Appropriate Discussions: Tailor your conversations to your child’s age and maturity level. Younger children can be taught basic safety rules, like not talking to strangers, while older kids can discuss more complex topics, such as recognizing manipulation. Check out NCMEC’s resources for how to have these conversations here.

Use Real-Life Examples: Share stories that illustrate the tactics traffickers use. This helps make the issue more tangible and reinforces the importance of being cautious.

Open Dialogue: Encourage your children to ask questions and express their concerns. Let them know they can talk to you about anything that makes them uncomfortable.

Monitor Online Activity

The internet is a primary tool for traffickers. They use social media, chat rooms, and gaming platforms to connect with and groom potential victims. It’s essential to monitor your child’s online activity and set boundaries to protect them.

Online Safety Tips:

Privacy Settings: Ensure your child’s social media accounts are set to private and teach them to be cautious about accepting friend requests or messages from strangers. Check out BARK, a great tool to help you monitor your child’s devices.

Know Their Friends: Be aware of who your child is interacting with online. Encourage them to only communicate with people they know in real life.

Regular Check-Ins: Have regular conversations about what your child is doing online. Ask them about the games they’re playing, the people they’re chatting with, and any new apps they’ve downloaded.

 

Teach Safety in Real-World Situations

While online safety is critical, children also need to know how to protect themselves in real-world situations. Traffickers often use public spaces where children hangout; like malls, parks, and schools to scout for potential victims.

Safety Tips for Kids:

Trust Your Instincts: Teach your children to trust their gut feelings. If something feels off, they should remove themselves from the situation and seek help.

Buddy System: Encourage your child to use the buddy system when walking to and from school, especially if they walk alone or wait at a bus stop.

Identify Safe Spaces: Show your child safe places they can go if they feel threatened, such as a friend’s house, a store, or a school office.

 

Know the Warning Signs

Trafficking can be hard to detect, but there are warning signs that a child may be in danger. By being aware of these signs, you can take action before it’s too late.

Signs to Watch For:

Changes in Behavior or Appearance: Sudden withdrawal, secrecy, a drop in grades or reluctance to discuss certain topics can indicate something is wrong. Simultaneously a sudden and drastic change in how your child is dressing or doing their makeup may be an indicator that something is going on.

Unexplained Gifts or Money: Traffickers may give their victims gifts or money to build trust and dependency.

New Relationships with Older Individuals: Be cautious if your child suddenly has new, older friends, especially if they avoid introducing them to you. These friends can be male or female, as it is not uncommon for girls to be recruited by older girls that are already being exploited.

 

Maintain Open Communication

The most effective way to protect your child is by maintaining open lines of communication. Make sure they know they can come to you with any problem, no matter how big or small. Let them know that their safety is your top priority.

Building Trust:

Be Supportive, Not Judgmental: If your child shares something concerning, avoid reacting with anger or frustration. Instead, offer support and work together to find a solution.

Regular Check-Ins: Regularly ask your child how they’re feeling and if anything is bothering them. This normalizes open communication and makes it easier for them to share more significant concerns.

 

Get Involved in the Community

Your child’s school and community play a vital role in keeping them safe. Get involved by participating in school activities, joining parent groups, and collaborating with local organizations focused on trafficking prevention.

Community Engagement Tips:

Advocate for Safety Programs: Encourage your child’s school to implement programs that educate students, staff, and parents about trafficking.

Attend Workshops: Participate in workshops or seminars that focus on child safety and trafficking awareness.

Support Local Organizations: Get involved with or donate to local organizations that work to prevent trafficking. Learn more about how to support the work Guardian Group is doing here.

 

As your children return to school, ensuring their safety from trafficking should be a top priority. By educating them, monitoring their online activity, teaching real-world safety, recognizing warning signs, maintaining open communication, and getting involved in your community, you can significantly reduce the risk of them becoming victims. Keeping your children safe is a collective effort—let’s work together to protect them from harm as they embark on a new school year.