Social Media-Based Sex Trafficking
By Constance Thum, Contributing Writer
Social media has infiltrated the lives of countless people, especially youths who use various platforms for purposes like networking, school, work and maintaining relationships. According to a survey done by Pew Research Center, 9 out of 10 youths go online multiple times a day. While social media has undeniably been an exciting source of entertainment for many youths, constant usage of the internet and unmanaged social media exposure also has its downsides, specifically the dangers of trafficking through social media.
Predators may use apps like Instagram, Facebook and Telegram to recruit their victims by impersonating a friend or relative to try to befriend them using a fake identity. Transitioning to adulthood is often a stressful period for many teens who feel misunderstood and insecure, which leaves room for sex traffickers to exploit. Predators may groom their victims with compliments and flattery. Upon forming a relationship, they may encourage their victims to meet in person. According to a 2018 study by THORN, 58% of victims who met their traffickers online were convinced to meet in person, and even for victims who never met face to face, 42% were still trafficked. Online anonymity prevents victims from recognising such identity fraud which makes them susceptible to deception, while also making it difficult for law enforcement to trace such individuals, thus leaving more vulnerable youths at risk. This trend has been accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic as many youths who have been confined at home now find themselves spending more time online since many schools have gone digital, and there are fewer sources of outdoor activities that they can engage in.
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) urged social media and messaging companies to take greater action in preventing sexual exploitation and trafficking of youths while calling for governments to investigate the root causes that increase the vulnerability of youths, especially females. However, family factors also play an essential role in combating social media-based sex trafficking. While monitoring their child’s online activity may be a reasonable solution, parents could also try to improve their communication methods by having open conversations about various topics, as well as informing youths of the risks of internet predators. Parents may act as an effective barrier against trafficking if they are able to reduce the vulnerability of youths by gaining their trust and giving them love. Given that social media is here to stay, parents should take a more proactive role in protecting their children.
To read more about this issue and learn how you can help abolish child sex trafficking, explore our website. You can also help child sex trafficking victims by sharing One Bread Foundation’s mission and cause. Please share this blog with friends or family members and encourage them to subscribe to our mailing list at one-bread.org.
Resources and Further Reading
Social Media and Sex Trafficking Process.
Social media-based trafficking on the rise during coronavirus pandemic.