Child sex trafficking is a hidden crisis in the U.S., and one that adults need to work together to try to stop. Schools are on the front lines of this crisis, with educators possibly among the only trusted adults a victim sees regularly. We’re here today to help empower school personnel with the necessary knowledge and tools to make a difference. Keep reading as we share how schools can spot and support trafficking victims to hopefully help put an end to this issue in the future.
Understanding Child Sex Trafficking in the U.S.
Child sex trafficking is the practice of buying and selling children with the goal of exploitation. It happens across the U.S., with arrests in most states over the past decade for this crime. When we speak about child sex trafficking, we are typically referring to children under the age of 18, with the most predominant age group being teenagers between 14 and 17 years old. They are often advertised and presented as adults, so this crime usually goes undetected. The term domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) is frequently used to describe the commercial sexual exploitation of children within the U.S. through activities such as prostitution and pornography.
One of the most common misconceptions about this crisis is the feeling that “it doesn’t happen in my community.” Many adults disregard this crisis and leave children and teenagers feeling like they have no one to turn to. What is shocking is that statistics suggest that about 45% of victims know their trafficker before becoming a victim. The majority of these cases where the victim knows the trafficker involve a family member. Children often end up trapped in these situations for up to a year and a half, which just goes to show how underreported this crime is and how easy it is for children and teenagers to feel they can’t escape their current situation.
Red Flags to Watch For in Students
As a teacher or someone working in a school, there are certain red flags within your students to watch out for. Behavioral indicators, such as sudden changes in behavior or performance, suggest something else is happening in a student’s life. Signs of anxiety, depression, or fearfulness are common indications of distress. Trafficking victims often isolate themselves or are excessively secretive, hiding the other side of their lives from everyone else around them. In addition to these behavior changes, you should look for physical indicators. Signs of physical abuse or neglect can indicate that a student is in trouble. You may also notice that they start to wear clothing that’s considered inappropriate for a school setting, such as out-of-season or sexualized clothing.
Other situational indicators of trafficking include frequent absence or tardiness. You may notice that an older “boyfriend” or a controlling adult picks them up, which may result in tension or discomfort for the victim. A sudden possession of expensive items without explanation is another cause for concern when paired with any other red flags we’ve shared here.
What to Do if You Suspect Trafficking
If you notice any of the indicators we’ve shared above, you’ll want to make sure you follow these steps to respond: Always remain calm and follow your school’s protocols at all times so you don’t put yourself in danger. Document all of your concerns so you have a clear record to look back on if you need it.
Don’t confront the suspected trafficker or attempt to rescue the child yourself, as you risk putting yourself in danger, too. Use the chain of command first within your school, such as reporting concerns to a school counselor, and from there, you can consider contacting child welfare and law enforcement together. Trauma-informed communication is essential to keep in mind in this type of situation to avoid doing anything to make the problem worse or make the victim feel uncomfortable.
Building a Safe and Supportive School
To help victims feel supported and increase the likelihood of them coming forward in the future with any concerns, you want to work to build a safe and supportive school environment. Strive to foster trusting relationships with students so they feel there is an adult in their lives to speak to if issues arise. Educate all of your school staff on the signs of trafficking to be aware of within your student population. Promote awareness about this crisis through classroom discussions on consent, boundaries, and safety. An anonymous reporting system and access to support staff are some of the best ways to encourage better communication and reporting within your school.
Training and Resources for Educators
As an educator, you can access great training programs and resources. We highly encourage you to look at Darkness to Light, Love146, and Polaris Project school resources to keep educating and equipping yourself with the knowledge you need to feel confident addressing this issue. Local organizations, such as Bridging Freedom, offer workshops and consultations that can provide you with additional support. Take the time to review the guidelines from the Department of Education and Homeland Security to better support and protect victims in the future.
Partnering with Parents and the Community
Parents and the wider community can benefit from your increased awareness and education about child trafficking. Educate parents on internet safety and exploitation risks so they can also be vigilant and monitor their child’s online activity if needed. Hosting awareness nights and distributing materials to parents can also support them in learning more about this crisis. You can partner with local law enforcement teams and non-profits to strengthen your education programs and the connection with the local community.
A trained, attentive school community can be a lifeline for child trafficking victims who are struggling to find anyone to support them. We highly encourage schools to schedule training with organizations like Bridging Freedom to implement the good practices we’ve shared here today. Contact us for more information about our services and how we can support your school.