By Katrina Terry

Every day, it seems, more and more, we rely on technology and, for that matter, cybersecurity to guide us through our daily lives.  And most of the time, it leads us to what we would consider a benefit or, at the very least, a good outcome.

That being said, there is one issue that’s not only difficult to discuss, but it’s also one that’s occurring in the communities where we live, and it relies on the technique of exploiting technology to target its victims.

Human Trafficking is a crime that affects individuals across all demographics and children are particularly vulnerable. In fact, the International Labor Organization estimates that 40.3 million men, women and children are subjected to human trafficking per year; a figure that is based on research data and is estimated to be even higher. January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. And every year since 2010, the President of the United States has dedicated the month to raise awareness about human trafficking and to educate the public about how to identify and prevent this crime.

Traffickers exploit technology as their primary tool to manipulate, groom, and recruit victims. Social media, gaming platforms, and messaging apps are often used to target kids, no matter their race, economic background, or geographic location. Predators use these platforms to build trust with children, exploit their emotions, and lure them into dangerous situations. The very technology meant to connect and entertain can become a gateway to unimaginable harm when left unchecked.

As parents, you play a crucial role in protecting your children from these threats. Here are five essential tips to safeguard your kids.

1. Know their online world: Have access to all their accounts and passwords. Monitor their activity, friendships, and interactions to ensure they’re not engaging with strangers or suspicious profiles. Especially gaming chats!

2. Set Boundaries: Establish screen time limits to reduce excessive exposure to online platforms. Use parental controls to block inappropriate content and ensure they’re spending time on safe age-appropriate activities.

3. Communicate Openly: Let your children know they can come to you if something feels wrong, whether it happens online or in person. While technology is a significant tool for traffickers, many children are also approached in real life, at schools, parks, malls or even by peers who have been recruited or coerced by traffickers. These individuals may manipulate or threaten children to convince them to recruit others or participate in harmful activities.

Explain to your children how traffickers often use fake profiles on social media, gaming platforms, or other online spaces to gain their trust. These predators can be extremely patient, playing the “long game” by building a relationship over months or even years to groom their victims. Help your children to understand that even if someone seems friendly or trustworthy online, they may not be who they claim to be.

4. Create a safe space: As a parent, it’s critical to build trust with your children so they feel safe sharing their experiences without fear of judgement or punishment. Reinforce that your home is a secure and supportive environment where their voice will always be heard, no matter how uncomfortable or scary the situation might seem. Having open, honest conversations about these dangers and ensuring they feel valued and protected can be one of the most powerful ways to guard them against trafficking threats.

5. Stay informed: Educate yourself about the latest online trends and risks and teach your children how to navigate them safely.

By staying proactive and involved, parents can help shield their children from the dangers lurking online. Known as LION 195 Against Trafficking, Inc., we invite you to visit our website to learn more about protecting your family and to explore details about our Online Parent/Guardian - Cyber Child Safety Trainings and events aimed at countering human trafficking in Indiana and across the United States. Together, we can make a Louder Roar and create safer communities for everyone!