Join us in the fight against child sex trafficking
Social media: a virtual stomping ground of sex traffickers
Learn about staying safe from online sex trafficking this Safer Internet Day.
Recognizing Feb. 7 as Safer Internet Day promotes one clear question nationwide: What can we do to keep people safe online?
Responses may vary depending on the industry of focus. But for those who strive to prevent human trafficking, one answer is equally clear: stay vigilant on social media.
The rise of online recruitment into trafficking situations
The pandemic changed the work habits of many — including human traffickers.
According to 2020 findings from the United States National Human Trafficking Hotline, during lockdowns, “as the proportion of victims from common recruitment sites such as strip clubs (-46%), foster homes (-70%) and schools (-38%) went down drastically, the Internet was reported as the top recruitment location for all forms of trafficking.”
How significant was the increase in online recruitment? As high as 22%.
Even more notable is the proportion of potential victims who met their traffickers through Facebook and Instagram, which rose by 120%.
In-person communication has resumed around the country. Yet high social media and web use rates remain common among children, youth and adults alike. The continued role of the internet in all community members’ lives means the need for attention to traffickers as an online safety threat has not disappeared.
Sex trafficking carries the strongest link
Sex trafficking comes as the greatest threat to social media users. Polaris shows the form of human trafficking has been the most linked to recruitment on social media platforms. These platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and others.
The National Human Trafficking Resource Center defines sex trafficking as “a crime involving the exploitation of someone for the purposes of … a commercial sex act through the use of force, fraud, or coercion.” The illegal practice leads the human trafficking industry online and offline. In 2021, sex trafficking accounted for 72% of trafficking situations reported nationwide. The crime further accounted for 87% of trafficking situations reported in Missouri. With such prevalence, the consequences of the crime can be devastating to the lives of many.
Sex traffickers may use different tactics to engage potential victims on social media. Polaris describes the following:
- Online relationship recruitment.
- Online fake or deceptive job recruitment.
- Advertising and sales via social media.
They also explain how victims and survivors can use social media platforms to get help.
One thing they also explain: how victims and survivors can use social media platforms to get help, too.
Children as common targets
Children can be particularly vulnerable to the virtual targeting of sex traffickers.
The 2021 Trafficking in Persons Report shows that the global rise in online sex trafficking during the pandemic involved children as victims. School closures often meant more time online for virtual learning—and more limited parental supervision of students’ internet habits. The consequence: In 2020, reported online sex trafficking involving minors rose by over 30%.
A 2021 analysis found little change from 2020 in the number of minors involved in reported sex trafficking cases. The results suggest the rise in youth as victims held firm, even past the onset of the pandemic.
Traffickers may use grooming to draw children into online sex trafficking. The process can lead many to believe their involvement is their choice. Yet those under 18 years old cannot legally consent to performing commercial sex in the U.S. This makes any commercial sex act involving a minor a crime nationwide. Several conditions can cause some youth to be more vulnerable to sex trafficking. These conditions include living in poverty or experiencing addiction. But the broad reach of the virtual realm brings recruitment risks to all.
How to keep your kids safe on social media
As a parent, you can foster the safety of your kids on social media. The process begins with educating yourself on the scope of online safety threats. The education process should include learning how sextortion happens and what creates a safe internet environment at home.
The conversation points
A conversation with your children about what is and is not safe behavior online can follow. Tips offered by the Federal Trade Commission for talking to youth about online safety include:
- Start early.
- Initiate conversations.
- Communicate your expectations.
- Be patient and supportive.
A few standards they add for guiding children’s use of online social networks:
- Remind your kids that online actions have consequences.
- Tell kids to limit what they share.
- Limit access to your kids’ profiles and other steps.
The resources
The privacy settings of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram can help make social media safer for youth. The FTC covers further security measures for both mobile devices and computers.
NetSmartz of the National Center for Mission and Exploited Children can be a resource for youth. The online safety education program uses age-appropriate videos and activities to teach kids about staying safe online.
Savvy Cyber Kids offers free education resources for educators and families. The program shares standards for teaching children safe, ethical behavior online. Available resources cover teaching students from preschool through high school.
When educating teens, consider using a social media safety checklist to support their need for independence.
Protecting yourself online as an adult
Adults must also protect themselves from online recruitment into sex trafficking. About 62% of victims identified in reported sex trafficking situations nationally in 2021 were adults.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security shares several tips those of all ages can use to avoid traffickers on social media and the web:
- Never share pictures of yourself online that you wouldn’t want your family, teachers or a stranger to see.
- Set the user profile to private so only confirmed friends can get access.
- Don’t share personal information online, such as your full name, school, address, phone number or user passwords.
- Don’t meet up in person with anyone you meet online and more.
Survivors of trafficking can also find relevant social media safety and privacy tips.