Learn the Signs To Keep Your Kids Safe
According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, human trafficking is defined as the business of stealing freedom for profit. In some cases, traffickers’ trick, defraud or physically force victims into providing commercial sex. In others, victims are lied to, assaulted, threatened or manipulated into working under inhumane, illegal or otherwise unacceptable conditions. It is a multi-billion-dollar criminal industry that denies freedom to 24.9 million people around the world.
Many believe that human trafficking exists in faraway places, on other sides of the world, in communities that look very different than their own. In actuality, this scourge is spreading in our own backyards. Men, women, and children are being sold for sex, servitude, and forced labor in every single community, in every state.
Human trafficking prevention and eradication begin with education and here at Lauren’s Kids we’re finding and focusing on ways to turn awareness into action — ensuring the next generation is equipped to combat this modern-day slavery.
Students today are learning information we should all be made aware of, including the following signs someone may be a victim of trafficking, from the National Human Trafficking Hotline:
- Receiving gifts or money from a new boyfriend/girlfriend; otherwise becomes involved in an overwhelming, fast-moving, and asymmetric (e.g., large difference in age or financial status) romantic relationship
- Frequent runaway, may be staying with someone who is not their parent or guardian
- Developing a relationship that seems too close with someone they know solely on social mediaDisplaying signs of physical or sexual abuse (bruising, wearing clothing inappropriate for the weather, regressive behavior, sudden changes in behavior and/or mood)
- Offered a job opportunity that seems too good to be true
- A would-be employer refuses to give workers a signed contract or asks them to sign a contract in a language they can’t read
- A would-be employer collects fees from a potential worker for the “opportunity” to work in a particular job
- A family member, friend, or co-worker is recruited for an opportunity that requires them to move far away, but their recruiter or prospective employer avoids answering their questions or is reluctant to provide detailed information about the job
Each one of us has a role to play in the fight against human trafficking. It starts with providing accurate information to children and adults, and understanding that anyone can become a victim — just as anyone could be a predator.
Traffickers and child predators are smart – but together we can be smarter. You can reach the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or you can report a tip at https://
For information on Lauren’s Kids human trafficking prevention lessons and tips to keep our kids and community safe, visit laurenskids.org.