Globally, estimates suggest around 27.6 million victims are part of human trafficking. ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducts criminal human trafficking investigations worldwide. Within the United Sates, HSI sex trafficking investigations have uncovered human traffickers operating in bars, illicit massage parlors, hotels, truck stops, apartment complexes, street prostitution, and escort services. Sex traffickers increasingly use social media and other online platforms to recruit, advertise, and exploit victims.
According to the United Nations’ International Labour Organization, human traffickers victimize an estimated 27.6 million people worldwide.
- 77% of all victims are in forced labor
- 23% of all victims are in sex trafficking
- 57% are men and boys
- 43% are women and girls
- Within sex trafficking
- 78% are women and girls and 22% are men and boys
- 92% are adults and 8% are children
- Within forced labor
- 33% are women and girls and 67% men and boys
- 73% are adults and 27% are children
Based on a March 2024 report from the International Labour Organization (ILO), forced labor and forced sexual exploitation generate an estimated $236 billion in illicit annual profits worldwide. This figure represents a 37% increase since the ILO’s previous estimate in 2014. Although there is no reliable estimate of human trafficking within the United States, human trafficking has been reported in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, on Tribal land, and within U.S. territories. I found many claims that the U.S. is one of the top, if not the top destination for people being trafficked, but I did not find any reports to back this claim. Several of these claims cited the U.S. TIP Report, of which the 2023 report states, “The top three countries of origin of victims identified by federally funded providers in 2022 were the United States, Mexico, and Honduras.” Although this sentence does not specify whether it refers to victims identified globally or nationally, it is listed under the United States specific trafficking page and not on the overall global report, implying the latter.
Human trafficking is a $150 billion a year business and unfortunately continues to grow. The average age is 13, and they tend to focus between the ages of 13-21. I have had ladies from local campuses come to me for self-defense and firearms training because they were almost kidnapped going into there apartment or dorm. They focus on college towns and tourist towns, which in my area are surrounded by a lot of colleges, and this area has grown as a tourist town. The top counties in South Carolina are Greenville, Richland, Charleston, Horry, Lexington, Berkeley, Spartanburg, and Greenwood. Which are either a college town or a heavy tourist town.
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Human trafficking is a frightening subject, but avoiding the conversation doesn’t keep kids safer — knowledge, boundaries, and trusted adults do. This guide gives you a straightforward, age-appropriate way to talk with kids about trafficking, spot warning signs, and set up practical safeguards without scaring them senseless. It’s written for parents, guardians, and caregivers who want to build protective habits and real-world resilience in their children.
Why talk about it?
- Awareness reduces vulnerability. Predators rely on secrecy, shame, and isolation. Age-appropriate education interrupts those dynamics.
- It’s about safety, not paranoia. The goal is to give kids simple tools and trusted channels so they can act if something feels wrong.
- Teachable moments matter. Conversations about boundaries, online behavior, and trusted adults prepare kids for many threats, not just trafficking.
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Key messages for every age
Use language kids understand. Emphasize safety, boundaries, and who to tell.
- You’re not in trouble for telling. Make clear that if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable, they should tell you — and you will respond, not punish.
- Good secrets vs. bad secrets. Explain that some surprises (like birthday presents) are fine, but secrets that make them uncomfortable or that must be kept forever are not okay.
- Your body is yours. Teach consent: no one is allowed to touch them or ask them to do things that make them uncomfortable.
- Trusted adults list. Help them name 3–5 adults they can contact if they’re scared, including non-family (teacher, coach, neighbor).
- It’s okay to ask for help online. Show them when to end a chat, block, and report.
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Age-by-age conversation starters & script examples
Ages 4–7 (simple, concrete)
Keep it basic: safety, trusted adults, and bodily autonomy.
- Script: “Some people might try to trick kids to get them alone. If someone asks you to keep a secret that makes you uncomfortable, tell me or [trusted adult].”
- Practice: Role-play saying “No” and walking away. Name trusted adults.
Ages 8–12 (boundaries + online basics)
Introduce online grooming concepts and what to do if contacted by strangers.
- Script: “If someone you don’t know asks for pictures, wants to meet, or tries to give you gifts to keep secrets — tell me right away. We’ll handle it together.”
- Practice: Go through friend requests, private messages, and what information is okay to share (none of their address, school, or schedule).
Teens (real talk + decision skills)
Talk about coercion, manipulation, dating red flags, and risky situations (parties, running away).
- Script: “Sometimes someone who seems nice will try to isolate you, make you feel special, or pressure you into stuff. That’s manipulation. If that happens, tell me or a trusted adult. We’ll create a plan and keep you safe — no shame.”
- Practice: Create a safety plan for nights out (check-in times, ride arrangements, code word to call you home).
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What predators do (simple patterns parents should watch for)
Predators use grooming and isolation — not always obvious. Watch for:
- Excessive gifts, attention, or flattery by someone outside the family.
- Secretive communications (new phone, social accounts, deleted messages).
- Rapid attachment — they talk about “love” or “partnership” very quickly.
- Isolating the child from friends and family or telling them others don’t understand them.
- Control over money, ID, or phone (especially in older teen situations).
- Encouraging risky behavior like running away or staying out all night.
If you see sudden changes in mood, sleep, school performance, or relationships — trust your gut and start asking calm questions.
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Online safety — practical rules
- Keep social accounts private until you know the platform well.
- No location sharing, no posting school names, schedules, or home address.
- Teach kids to never send intimate images — it can be used to coerce them later.
- Regularly review friends/followers together.
- Use device settings and parental controls appropriate to their age, but pair tech with conversations — controls alone aren’t enough.
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Create a family safety plan
- Trusted-Adult List: Write down 3–5 people they can contact. Include phone numbers.
- Code Word: Have a family code word children can use if they need to leave a situation immediately or signal you to pick them up.
- Check-In Routine: Establish times and methods for teens to check in when out.
- Emergency Steps: Teach them exactly how to call 911, what to say, and to preserve any evidence (texts, photos) without confronting a suspected trafficker.
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What to do if you suspect trafficking or exploitation
- Prioritize the child’s safety. Remove them from immediate danger if possible.
- Contact authorities. Call local law enforcement or 911 if someone is in immediate danger.
- Report to the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to 233733 (BeFree). They provide 24/7 confidential support and can connect you to local resources.
- Preserve evidence. Save messages, screenshots, emails, and note times/dates. Don’t confront the suspected trafficker alone.
- Get medical and emotional support. Contact child protective services and a medical provider; trafficking victims often need urgent medical, legal, and mental-health care.
- Use victim-centered resources. Local victim advocates, hospitals, and nonprofits can guide you through next steps and services.
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How to keep conversations ongoing (not one-and-done)
- Bring it up naturally around media (a news story or movie) and ask what they think.
- Reinforce boundaries and consent regularly — not just once.
- Praise openness: “Thanks for telling me — I’m glad you told me.” Positive reinforcement makes kids more likely to come forward.
- Update safety plans with age and maturity — teens need more autonomy, but with clear check-ins.
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When to get professional help
- If a child discloses sexual exploitation, coercion, or that someone is giving gifts in exchange for favors.
- If you suspect grooming or trafficking — call the National Hotline or local law enforcement.
- If your child shows trauma symptoms (nightmares, withdrawal, self-harm) — seek a trauma-informed therapist.
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Final notes for South Carolina families
Talking about trafficking is uncomfortable — that’s normal. Aim to be calm, firm, and practical. Teach kids that safety is a team effort: parents, coaches, teachers, and community members all play a role. The more normalized these conversations are, the less power predators have. If you did not see the news just a few days before writing this blog a massage parlor here in the Greenville area was busted for sex trafficking. It is closer than what you think. Once you have that conversation, I recommend reinforcing that by coming in and taking my Beyond Vigilance class or come take it for that conversation.
If you ever need immediate help or suspect trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to 233733. You can also contact local law enforcement or child protective services.