Commentary
Experts warn that human trafficking increases during the summer months when children are under less supervision. However, as school resumes, parents, teachers, and students must remain vigilant. Tragically, with the advent of social media, smartphones, and online gaming, America’s youth remain at risk for human trafficking.
The most recent Federal Human Trafficking Report, which analyzes data on human trafficking cases in the U.S. Federal Courts System, concludes that since 2000, 55 percent of sex trafficking victims have been recruited online.
Traffickers often use the internet to approach and groom their targets, as well as gather information about their potential victims. According to Dr. Jarrod Sadulski, associate professor at the American Public University System, the trafficker will appear to be helpful and convincing but ultimately will try to lure the child to meet in person….