Protecting Youth in a Digital Age: Understanding Online Exploitation and Trafficking

As a result of increased social media usage among youth, previous human trafficking recruitment techniques have shifted online, exploiting vulnerabilities in youth, and making virtual exploitation a new reality. This training will delve into the complex usage of technology to gain an understanding of how traffickers leverage online platforms, social media, and communications to recruit, control, and exploit their victims. This training will equip participants with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to navigate the digital landscape safely to learn how to respond, report and contribute to the prevention of human trafficking in the digital age.

Presenter:

Genevieve Meyer | Lived Experienced/Subject Matter Expert

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the online platforms, social media features, and digital communication methods that traffickers commonly exploit to recruit, groom, and control youth victims.

• Recognize the warning signs and vulnerability factors that make youth susceptible to online trafficking recruitment, including behavioral changes and red flags in digital interactions.

• Apply appropriate response, reporting, and intervention strategies to support youth safety online and contribute to trafficking prevention efforts in digital spaces.