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Educators are often the first trusted adults who notice when something feels off with a student. In cases of human trafficking, noticing the signs and intervening can make a significant difference in a student’s safety.
Definitions
- Human Trafficking: The act of exploiting individuals through force, deception, or coercion for the purpose of involuntary labor, sexual exploitation, or both.
- Child Sex Trafficking: Causing a minor under the age of 18 to engage in a commercial sexual act, regardless of whether force, fraud, or coercion is involved.
- Child Labor Trafficking: Forcing, deceiving, or coercing a minor under 18 to perform work or services against their will.
Traffickers often target vulnerable youth, especially those experiencing instability or unmet needs. Since educators and other school staff interact with students daily, you may be the first person to help a student get out of these dangerous situations.
A student is more likely to be at risk of being trafficked if they:
- Are living in a home that is instable or in poverty
- Have abuse or substance abuse within their home
- Have experienced forms of neglect or abuse previously.
- Do not have support socially.
- Have low self-esteem.
- Are currently homeless
- Have been in foster care or other government programs
- Have disabilities or notable differences
- Are a part of migrant families
Overall Indicators:
- Signs of extreme fatigue, depression, or post-traumatic stress symptoms
- Poor physical condition or evidence of malnutrition
- Visible injuries such as bruises, scars, or other physical harm
- Untreated health problems, including sexually transmitted infections, work-related injuries, or exposure-related illnesses
- No personal control over finances, identification documents, travel papers, or daily schedule
- Engages in harmful or self-destructive behaviors
- Provides answers to questions that appear scripted or rehearsed
Specifically Sex-Trafficking Indicators
- Regular travel to different cities or across state lines
- Frequently observed at motels or hotels
- Noticeable drop in school performance
- Sudden changes in personality, behavior, or social connections
- Possession of new phones, clothing, or other expensive items
- Altered grooming habits or personal hygiene
- Displays sexualized behavior or language that is inappropriate for their age
Specifically Labor Trafficking Indicators
- Works without pay, receives extremely low wages, or is compensated only through tips
- Allows employer to make personal or educational decisions on their behalf
- Assigned chores or duties that are excessive or unsuitable for their age
- Contributes to family expenses for rent, food, or clothing, or resides in insufficient living conditions
Human trafficking can affect any anyone, and victims of human trafficking can easily be walking the halls of your school. Promoting awareness and proactive measures can make a life-changing difference for these students.
What to Teach and Tell Students about Human Trafficking
Elementary
- Use the buddy system. Make sure you always have a buddy (someone with you).
- Make plans for if students get separated from staff, especially during trips.
- Make sure students know their information (phone number, address, full name, etc).
Middle School
- Engage in safe online and texting behavior. Do not send information to people you do not know. Do not send inappropriate images to others.
- Teach students about what might be inappropriate for someone to ask them to do.
High School
- Discuss the definitions of trafficking and what that might look like
- Safety measures to take when going places alone.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- If you are being trafficked or know someone who might be, tell a trusted adult.
Overall School Actions
- Create a Safe Space
- Foster trust by listening without judgment, and ensure students know where to go for help
- Display posters and resources about trafficking awareness in common areas
- Educate Students
- Discuss healthy relationships and boundaries
- Encourage students to speak up if they feel unsafe
- Establish Clear Reporting Protocols
- Make sure all staff know the steps to take if they suspect trafficking
- Keep emergency contacts and procedures easily accessible
Your vigilance matters. By staying informed and proactive, schools can help prevent trafficking and protect the most vulnerable students in our communities.
References
Human trafficking in America’s schools. https://www.ed.gov/sites/ed/files/documents/human-trafficking/human-trafficking-americas-schools.pdf
Kid-safe conversations about human trafficking. SOS International. (2024, January 18). https://sosresponds.org/blog/kid-safe-conversations-about-human-trafficking/