Title: Internet Safety 101: sex trafficking
Headings: Sex Trafficking
Sex Trafficking
What is Teen Sex Trafficking?
What Does a Trafficker "Look Like?"
Who Do Traffickers Target?
Red Flags of Potential Sex Trafficking in Children:
Pornography and Sex Trafficking – Are they Related?
How Can I Protect My Teen?
Trafficking Resources
Porn and Sex Trafficking: 10 Facts from the Experts (Posted on Covenant Eyes)
2018 Federal Human Trafficking Report
Global Research: The Essence of Evil: Sex with Children Has Become Big Business in America

Content: What Does a Trafficker "Look Like?" A trafficker can be anyone -- a classmate, employer, family friend, acquaintance, a boyfriend/girlfriend, or someone you met online. Traffickers often pretend to be someone they are not by setting up fake accounts online to "friend" a teen, and then groom them using a variety of techniques to gain their trust. Who Do Traffickers Target? Teens (both boys and girls) between the ages of 12-19 are victims, but some have been as young as 9. Teens from all different socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds are targets
Traffickers often seek out children online who appear vulnerable, depressed, seem emotionally isolated from family and friends, have low-esteem or appear to have a lot of unsupervised time. Runaway and homeless youth, as well as victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, war or conflict, or social discrimination are frequently targeted by traffickers. Red Flags of Potential Sex Trafficking in Children: Unexplained absences from school
Changes in usual attire, behavior or relationships
Suddenly has more expensive material possessions
Chronically runs away from home
Fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous and paranoid
Defers to another person to speak for him or her, especially during interactions with school authority figures
Show signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement or other serious pain or suffering
Seems to be deprived of food, water, sleep, medical care or other life necessities
Has new branding/tattoos
Has a “boyfriend” or “girlfriend” who is noticeably older
Makes references to sexual situations or terminology that are beyond age-specific norms or engaging in uncharacteristically promiscuous behavior
Pornography and Sex Trafficking – Are they Related? Some types of pornography actually are sex trafficking, specifically as the production of pornography often involves the use of force, fraud or coercion to prompt the performance of those shown in the pornography.