According to Tom Torlakson, former CA Superintendent of Schools, "Predators are using public schools as a new hunting ground." He is not wrong; this is exactly what is happening in our schools across the country. Not only have our kids been exposed to this kind of victimization when they were attending school, but they may be even more at risk since COVID-19 shut down our schools and moved them away from the watchful eye of their teachers and school administrators. This presentation will use cases to highlight the various ways our children are being lured away from schools, whether it's from the school grounds itself or through social media and leaving from school grounds. We will also take a look at the impact sex trafficking has on the learning environment for everyone affected. These crimes are devastating, but if we know what methods are being used to lure our children, we can make a difference in helping to keep them safe.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the significance and gravity of missing children incidents that may be tied to the sex trafficking of our students
Recognize how our students are being lured online and the indicators that they are potential victims of sex trafficking
Become familiar with the ways in which various states and agencies are tackling this problem
