Trafficking, Luring
& Exploitation
Help is available if you’re dealing with potential danger.
Trafficking
Human trafficking is a growing problem in Canada and it is one that affects children and youth. Trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation, harbouring and/or exercising control or influence over the movements of a person in order to exploit that person, typically through sexual exploitation or forced labour.
Between 2008 and 2018 there were more than 1700 reported cases of human trafficking and almost of all the victims were women or girls; 45% of those trafficked were between the ages of 18-24, and 28% were under the age of 18.
Public Safety Canada says warning signs of trafficking include:
A new relationship with someone older or richer, perhaps online
A new relationship that involves manipulation, control or intimidation
Intimate images of you being shared online without your consent
Receiving gifts or cash from your partner for no reason
Information and help
Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 assistance via phone or chat
1-833-900-1010
#NotInMyCity
Information and resources + free online course
notinmycity.ca
Online Luring
Many parents find it challenging to stay up-to-date with new technologies and keep their kids safe online. That can be a problem. Online luring occurs when someone with a sexual interest in children uses chat, messaging or texting to make contact. Staying safe online means understanding warning signs and keeping up with emerging risks.
Fortunately, there are a lot of great resources available to help children, youth and families.
Information and help
This site gives parents great advice on keeping kids safe online.
The internet-safety section gives parents resources for children under 11 and those 12 and older.
Instructional comics, videos and a game aimed at children in grades 3 and 4.
Exploitation
Exploitation can happen in different ways. But at its core, it is blackmail. It generally involves creating, sending or sharing sexual images. It can be teens sharing them with other teens, but also adults sharing images.
Parents should talk to teens about the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships. It is also important to make it clear to teens that sharing images of people without their consent is illegal.
Information and help
Research and resources for families, youth and children.
Canada’s national tip line for reporting information or content related to child sexual exploitation. It also has lots of great resources for parents, children and youth.
Tips for supporting youth and for removing images from the internet.
