Virginia's talking points for a discussion about trafficking with teenagers

Every person can play a powerful role in the fight against human trafficking—especially when it comes to prevention. One of the most impactful steps we can take is to have open, meaningful conversations with our families and the young people we care about. If you’re not sure how to begin, consider using the following script. Imagine I’m speaking directly to a 13-year-old:

This world is mostly a good place, but it’s not always safe. There may be times when you encounter people who want to harm you, which is why I want to talk to you about sex trafficking and grooming. By learning to recognize the signs, you’ll be able to protect yourself and avoid dangerous situations.

Sex trafficking happens when a child, teen, or adult is sold for sex or forced into prostitution. You might think, ‘That could never happen to me or in my community,’ and I hope that’s true—but I also want you to be prepared, just in case.

Sometimes trafficking starts with a kidnapping, but that’s actually rare. More often, an older adult gains a young person’s trust before any abuse begins; this is called grooming. Here are a few warning signs to look out for:

• An adult wants to keep your relationship a secret.

• An adult showers you with expensive gifts or offers you free alcohol or drugs.

• An adult makes unrealistic promises, such as turning you into a movie star or model.

• An adult crosses your personal boundaries through tickling, play fighting, or giving massages.

• An adult wants to look at explicit pictures or videos with you.

If anyone ever asks you to do something that makes you uncomfortable, please come talk to me. I promise I’ll do everything I can to help you, and I will always have your back.

Also, I want you to think carefully before sharing nude selfies. It might seem like no big deal, but once those images are out there, they can easily end up in the wrong hands and be used to manipulate or hurt you. If you’ve ever shared a nude photo, please don’t be afraid or ashamed to tell me. I want you to feel safe coming to me, and we can figure out how to handle it together. Remember, you’re never alone—I care about you.