Recommendations for Educating Youth about Sex Trafficking

Abstract

The need to educate youth on sex trafficking in the United States has received considerable attention; however, limited research is available to guide development of educational programming for youth. Perspectives from 32 experts in fields connected to sex trafficking and violence prevention were obtained through focus groups and interviews. Questions focused on goals/purposes of educating youth about sex trafficking, content to include in a school-based sex trafficking curriculum for middle and high school students, methods to deliver such a curriculum, and challenges to implementing a sex trafficking curriculum in schools and associated strategies. Experts recommended content on healthy and unhealthy relationships, general information about sex trafficking, factors related to sex trafficking, and identification of safe people and needed resources. Program delivery recommendations focused on delivery approach, format, facilitation, manualization, and integration throughout the school's curriculum. Lastly, experts noted implementation challenges and associated strategies relating to time and space in school curriculum, parents' discomfort with educating their children about sex trafficking, and buy-in from school administrators. Results build on existing literature by providing greater depth and context on educating youth about sex trafficking. Empowering youth with information and resources regarding sex trafficking is important for promoting just, peaceful, and inclusive societies.

Improving the value of school professionals as partners in efforts to enhance recognition of and responses to youth sex trafficking

“…One potentially effective way of improving identification of and intervention for youth victims is to enhance collaboration between law enforcement and other professionals who encounter vulnerable youth and may be in a position to respond, possibly in more supportive or productive ways by building on trust youth may already have for these professionals. One such group is comprised of school professionals, particularly those who are health‐related, such as school nurses, counselors, and psychologists (Grace et al, 2012; Harper et al, 2019; Lesak et al, 2021). Indeed, evidence suggests that school professionals are likely to encounter trafficked youth.…”