Overview

Human traffickers can use a variety of manipulative and deceptive tactics to lure and recruit victims online or in person. Talking to a child about human trafficking may seem uncomfortable, but research shows that children and youth are more prepared and alert when they:

  • know what human trafficking is
  • can recognize the warning signs.

 Prepare for the conversation

  1. Start by learning — Understand:
  2. Establish trust — Reassure your child that you are trying to keep them safe and informed. Encourage them to ask questions and express their feelings without judgment. This will help build trust and open lines of communication.
  3. Start the conversation early — The average age of recruitment into sex trafficking is just 13 years old. As a first step, you can introduce the topic by talking about personal boundaries, self-esteem, healthy relationships, consent and online safety. Use language that your child is familiar with and that matches your child's age and level of understanding.
  4. Listen and find out what they already know — Your child may already have some information about human trafficking. You can use this as a starting point and build on their existing knowledge. Provide a safe and supportive environment by actively listening and let your child know that you care about their well-being.
  5. Empower your child and teach them to trust their instincts — Use language that highlights the strengths of your child and shows how they are in control of their own decisions. Reassure them that if something does not feel right, it probably is not right. It’s often easier to spot the signs of human trafficking with a friend, so encourage your child to help watch out for their friends too.
  6. Create a plan — Help your child think of what to do or say if they find themselves in an uncomfortable or unsafe situation. This may include talking to a trusted adult, identifying safe places, or making a list of emergency and non-emergency phone numbers and services. It’s important to revisit and update the plan as your child gets older.
  7. Keep an open dialogue and be comfortable with silence — This can be an emotional and difficult topic. It’s okay to take breaks or come back to questions. You do not need to cover the entire topic in a single conversation. Instead, let your child know that the conversation is ongoing. Regularly check in with them, ask about their online interactions and new friends and reinforce the importance of staying alert and connected.
  8. Practice online safety — Human traffickers are increasingly using social media, gaming and messaging platforms to lure and recruit children and youth. Look at the apps, platforms and sites your child uses, and determine if the content is age appropriate. Help your child set up privacy settings to keep their accounts private, and where possible, turn off location sharing services and set up parental controls. Have frequent, open conversations with your child about their online activities.
  9. Encourage your child to reach out for help — Remind your child that human trafficking can happen to anyone and that all survivors of human trafficking deserve support and dignity. Encourage your child to speak with you or a trusted adult if they need help.
  10. Know what to do if you suspect someone is being trafficked — If there is immediate danger or if you suspect someone is being trafficked, call 911 or your local police service. If you or someone you know needs support or you want to report a potential case call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: Toll-free: 1-833-900-1010. Tell your child that they can always reach out to this confidential hotline for help and support.

Resources for parents and youth

Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline 

A confidential, multilingual, 24/7 service that connects victims and survivors of human trafficking with social services, law enforcement, and emergency services.

Anti-human trafficking services and supports

Learn about the services and supports that are available in Ontario to help survivors of human trafficking.

Kids Help Phone: How to recognize the signs of human trafficking

Information and support for young people who may be experiencing or witnessing human trafficking.

BridgeNorth: Sex Trafficking Myths

Clarifies common myths about sex trafficking.

Speak Out: Stop Sex Trafficking – Ending Trafficking Through Indigenous Women’s, Girls’ and Two-Spirit Leadership

Information and supports to help address, prevent and end the sexual exploitation of Indigenous women and youth.

ProtectKidsOnline.ca

Explore free cyber safety information for parents, guardians and teens in Canada.

NeedHelpNow.ca

Support and resources for youth who have experienced online sexual violence, specifically when intimate images or videos have been shared without their consent.