How to Talk to Children About Trafficking: Age-Appropriate Safety Tips

Conversations about human trafficking prevention may feel uncomfortable, but they are essential. Children of all ages face risks, both in their communities and online. Talking openly, early, and often gives them the confidence and tools to recognize unsafe situations and ask for help.

This is a global issue that thrives on silence, but regular family discussions strengthen human trafficking awareness and make it harder for traffickers to exploit people who are vulnerable, especially teens and children. These talks also teach the importance of personal boundaries, trust, and communication.

Forgotten Children Worldwide strives to protect vulnerable children from extreme poverty and trafficking while providing human trafficking education to at-risk communities in Africa and Asia. FCW also provides sustainable community support that empower families to stay together, build resilience, and break the cycle of exploitation. FCW’s efforts to counter human trafficking are rooted in prevention, and while human trafficking may look different in other regions, families can also take preventative measures for the dangers that exist in the US.

Building a Foundation for Honest Dialogue

Before starting the conversation about trafficking and safety, it’s crucial to create a safe emotional space. Children need to feel comfortable asking questions and sharing concerns.

Here are some tips on how to approach the conversation:

• Be Open and Calm: Kids take cues from your tone. Speak confidently but gently about safety and privacy.
• Share Real Stories: Talk about situations where kids have faced dangers, using examples that are realistic and relevant to them. 
• Be Specific and Define Key Terms: Clearly explain what words such as “private parts,” “safe touch,” “stranger,” and “trusted adult” mean, especially for young children, so they understand what you’re talking about and can recognize when something isn’t right.
• Encourage Questions: Let them know no question is too small or embarrassing.
• Revisit the Conversation: Safety isn’t a one-time topic. Revisit it as they grow.

When children trust adults, they are more likely to share concerns, ask for help when something feels wrong, and follow guidance that keeps them safe. Building trust is also a foundation for broader conversations about community empowerment, where every child learns their voice has value.

Talking to Young Children (Ages 4-8): Simple Safety Rules

Tell children that while most people are kind and helpful, there are some who might try to trick or hurt others, so it’s important to know how to stay safe and when to ask for help. At this age, conversations should focus on stranger danger, physical safety, and safe touch. Here are a few safety rules for kids:

• Stay Close to Trusted Adults: Always stay near a parent, guardian, or trusted caregiver when in public.
• Know Who to Ask for Help: If you ever get lost or need help, look for a police officer, teacher, store worker, or a parent with children. Know your parents’ full names and phone numbers so helpers can contact them quickly.
• Never Go With Strangers: Don’t go anywhere with someone you don’t know, even if they offer toys, treats, or rides or say they know your parents. Always find a trusted adult or go to a safe place.
• Keep Private Parts Private: No one should ever touch or see your private parts. If someone tries to, say “no” loudly and tell a trusted adult right away.
• Use a Safety Buddy: Always have a friend, sibling, or trusted adult with you, especially when traveling or at new places.
• Speak Up and Tell a Trusted Adult: If someone makes you feel scared or uncomfortable or asks you to keep a secret, always tell a parent, teacher, or another trusted adult.

These rules are foundational for child safety and should be repeated and reinforced, even as children grow older and gain more independence. Much of this guidance can also be reinforced in school programs or community activities that teach children how to recognize unsafe situations.

Talking to Tweens (Ages 9-12): Growing Independence and Online Awareness

As children become more independent, their world expands to include school activities, friends, and time online. Social media opens up a new and potent avenue for danger, as a significant portion of human trafficking cases now originate online. Over 80% of sex trafficking cases in the US in 2020 were initiated through online advertisements.

Below are key topics and internet safety tips to discuss as they navigate both real-world and digital spaces:

• Protect Your Personal Information: Don’t share your full name, address, school, or photos with anyone you don’t know in real life.
• Watch Out for Strangers Online: Some people may pretend to be kids to gain your trust. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable or asks to meet in person, tell a trusted adult right away.
• Think Before You Post: Anything you share online or through digital messages can be permanent and might reach people you don’t intend to see it.
• Follow Family Rules for Devices: Set limits on screen time, and follow rules about which apps and websites are safe. Talk to a trusted adult if you see something upsetting online.
• Say No to Pressure: Friends or online contacts might encourage risky behavior. You always have the right to say no and get help from a trusted adult.

These lessons are a natural extension of online safety training, preparing tweens for the digital world without scaring them.

Talking to Teens (Ages 13-18): Empowerment, Consent, and Real-World Awareness

Teens crave independence, but they are also at greater risk of manipulation and exploitation. Many traffickers prey on teens’ emotional needs, offering romantic affection, opportunity, or financial help in exchange for control.

Here are key discussion points:

• Recognize Exploitation and Grooming: Learn how traffickers may manipulate trust, offer gifts, or create pressure to exploit you. Speak to a trusted adult if anything feels wrong.
• Set and Respect Boundaries: Know your personal limits and assert them in friendships, relationships, and online interactions. Consent always matters.
• Practice Online Safety: Protect your personal information, use privacy settings, and be cautious about sharing location, photos, or contact details online.
• Identify Red Flags in Relationships: Be aware of controlling behavior, secrecy, or pressure from peers, partners, or adults that could indicate exploitation.
• Know Your Support Network: Have trusted adults you can turn to, and remember it’s okay to seek help without fear or shame.

By discussing these topics openly and practicing these safety tips, teens can make empowered choices in both online and real-world situations.

A Culture of Awareness and Safety

Talking about trafficking is never easy, but silence is dangerous. Whether it’s teaching a preschooler about safe touch or helping a teen navigate social media, every step builds protection.

Human trafficking is an enormous problem, and we can take steps to lessen its reach by learning more about it through educational media and researching rescue projects and survivor recovery; however, the most effective method to decrease the damage is prevention. 

In high-risk areas for child trafficking, Forgotten Children Worldwide offers empowerment programs to inform youth and parents about the dangers of child trafficking and child marriage. These programs also teach families about their rights and the ways that others may try to exploit them. Other initiatives like scholarship programs and child sponsorship seek to empower youth and communities so that they are empowered, self-sufficient, and less vulnerable to exploitation. Those interested in getting involved with Forgotten Children Worldwide can learn more, sponsor a child, or make a donation to support their critical work.