The Role of Technology in Modern Trafficking
Technology is woven into the fabric of young people’s lives today. From social media and gaming to online learning and video calls with family, digital spaces offer both incredible opportunities and serious risks for the children and youth CASA serves.
Technology safety is a critical component of serving youth at risk for trafficking. Children in care who have experienced trauma are often more vulnerable to online grooming, exploitation and other forms of digital abuse.
Red Flags to Watch For:
- Extreme distress around being inaccessible by cell phone
- New gifts, money, or items they can’t explain
- Withdrawal from activities they previously enjoyed
- Age-inappropriate knowledge of sexual topics
- Multiple cell phones
Remember, technology safety conversations should be ongoing, not one-time events with the youth we serve. By staying curious rather than judgmental, we can help create an environment where young people feel safe sharing their digital experiences.
For some resources about safety online, check out the following. Make sure you review any resource for age-appropriateness prior to sharing with a youth:
- NoFiltr, a youth-targeted online safety platform run by Thorn.
- NCMEC’s NetSmartz home page, which provides activities and videos for youth to learn about safety online.
To learn more about our ACT advocacy and available resources, visit our Learning Center.
Are you a staff member at a local CASA program? If so, visit our ACT Program Portal for specialized events, training, and resources.
