Protecting Children in the Digital Age: Insights from the 2025 Anti-Human Trafficking Summit
On March 13, 2025, Children at Risk hosted its annual Anti-Human Trafficking Summit, bringing together experts from child safety organizations, law enforcement, and policy sectors to discuss the evolving threats of online exploitation and trafficking. This year’s event focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence, social media, and the increasing vulnerability of youth in the digital age.
“We’re very happy to see how the Texas Legislature has focused on this issue and has worked to become one of the states at the forefront of this movement.”- Caroline Roberts
“Developers are not creating these apps with protections for kids in mind. What is very disheartening to see is that there aren’t a lot of these protections, but yet they’re marketing these types of social media apps to kids.” -Jazmin Vasquez Director of the Paso del Norte Center of Hope
“A lot of cases have started with chatting in video games and moved onto other platforms for anonymity.” – Officer Cory Wright
“One of the most common ways young girls are being targeted is through Instagram and TikTok.” – Victoria Sinis, Creating Gems
“It’s important for parents to know what apps our youth are on, what they’re doing and actually having that conversation not just assuming it won’t be my child or it’s not my child.” – Nicole Shiff Director, Paso Del Norte Center of Hope
“One of the best things that we’re recommending is to have a plan of action with your child. The same way that you do a fire drill about what to do if a fire breaks out, create an action plan with your child for online safety.” – Jennifer Newman
As technology continues to evolve, so must our strategies for protecting children from exploitation. The insights shared at this summit serve as a powerful reminder that safeguarding youth in the digital age requires awareness, vigilance, and collective action.
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