Jan 21, 2025 Protecting Your Kids from Online Human Trafficking: What Every Parent Needs to Know

child playing a game online

January 21, 2025 In today’s digital age, social media and online platforms are integral to our children’s lives. However, they also present risks, including exposure to human traffickers who exploit these platforms to lure and manipulate vulnerable users. Suzanne Spernal, DNP, APN-BC, senior vice president for Women's Services at RWJBarnabas Health essential tips for parents, guardians, and caregivers to safeguard their children and teens from the dangers of online human trafficking.

Understand the Risks

The internet is an easy way for criminals and predators to reach young people. Children and teens that frequently have unsupervised access to social media and/or gaming systems are at risk. Emotional factors, such as feelings of insecurity, desire to develop romantic relationships, feeling misunderstood, fighting with parents, and wanting more independence can also put minors at risk.

Educate Yourself

Traffickers often use popular social media sites, gaming platforms, and messaging apps to connect with potential victims. Stay updated on new apps, games, and platforms your children may use. Allow your children to educate you on what apps have become the most popular and how they are using apps to communicate as technology changes and advances.

Educate Your Children

Openly talk with your children about the risks of sharing personal information online. Encourage them to communicate with you if they feel uncomfortable or unsure about an online interaction or if someone is asking them about their life, hobbies, school, or family. Educate them on the dangers of oversharing online. Remind them that people online are not always who they say they are.

Monitor Online Activity

While respecting your child’s privacy, using parental control software to monitor their online activity and/or having access to their passwords can help you track social media interactions, messages, and websites visited. You can also make sure your kids use privacy settings on social media to restrict access to their profiles.

Be Alert to Warning Signs

Identifying signs that a child or teenager is being targeted for trafficking online is crucial for early intervention. Signs may include changes in children’s use of electronic devices, attempts to conceal online activity, withdrawn behavior, angry outbursts, anxiety, and depression. Be alert to unexplained gifts, new devices, or travel plans.

Maintain Healthy Relationships With Your Children

Through open communication and mutual respect, you can create an environment where your children feel comfortable sharing their online experiences with you. Engage in their interests, including their social media use, to better understand their online interactions. Encouraging participation in extracurricular activities, sports, or community events can offer a sense of belonging and reduce the temptation to seek validation or companionship from strangers online.

Seek Help if Needed

If you believe your child is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888, texting 233733 or chatting humantraffickinghotline.org/chat.

By staying vigilant and fostering a safe, open dialogue, parents can help protect their children from the dangers of human trafficking online. January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. By raising awareness and providing critical training, RWJBarnabas Health is making significant strides in protecting vulnerable individuals and supporting survivors. Join us in this vital mission to end human trafficking. Learn more at The Office On Trafficking In Persons.