February 11, 2025

In the European Union – and increasingly around the world – the second Tuesday of February is celebrated as Safer Internet Day. This year, it falls on today, February 11. We are marking today because of the increased impact that the internet has had on trafficking and anti-trafficking efforts in recent decades. Increased accessibility to pornography, anonymous purchasing, and lack of evidence trails have all contributed to the increase in traffickers’ use of the internet to do their business.

There are two major factors that make fighting the use of the internet in trafficking more difficult to fight than other venues traffickers use for business. First, the anonymity of the internet not only gives traffickers a sense of security that they will not be caught, but it makes it much easier for them to impersonate a friend or acquaintance of their target. In addition, one of the biggest concerns for those who fight online trafficking is the high rate of evolution of apps and ways to connect. If a communication app or set of advertisements is flagged and taken down, it can be replaced in just hours. Teaching your children and those in your circles how to be safe on the internet is a constantly evolving process and requires flexibility and resilience.

It is important to note that “internet trafficking” by no means takes place solely in an online limbo. The real, physical violence and trauma to trafficking victims who were groomed or blackmailed via the internet is not diminished by the fact that their process of entrapment – often grooming or blackmail – began online. Concerns about children’s internet safety are growing in universality. In the United States, for instance, there have been attempts in recent years to protect children via legislation at the federal level. The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) was first introduced in 2022 and passed the Senate. It did not achieve a needed majority in the House of Representatives. As a result, there is more work to be done.

Like other trafficking risks, solving the problem of unsafe internet is an issue that needs to be fought on a communal level. Although it can be difficult to talk to children about internet safety, restrictions are necessary to keep them safe from an internet that is not. “I’m a good kid,” they may protest, “don’t you trust me?” It may be helpful to emphasize that of course you trust them, but you do not trust the predators lurking online – and neither should they. Ensuring that your community, your children, and the children in your circles are as informed as possible is one of the most important things you individually can do in order to build the necessary circles of protection. Take time to set up parental controls, establish a culture of openness with online activities, and be a non-judgmental listening ear for your children when they come to you with questions or concerns.There is no better time to begin than today.

CALL TO ACTION~
~Attend Women At Risk, International’s (WAR, Int’l) Civilian First Responder Training Conference, learn more here.
~Attend or host one of WAR, Int’l’s S.T.A.N.D. Classes, learn more here.