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.

The event opened with remarks from Dr. Bob Sanborn, President & CEO of Children at Risk, setting the stage for a crucial discussion on the ever-changing landscape of child exploitation online. Caroline Roberts, General Counsel & Senior Director of Policy at Children at Risk, provided key insights into AI’s role in amplifying social media risks.
“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  

The Realities of Online Exploitation
Jazmin Vasquez from the Paso Del Norte Center of Hope shared a compelling case study, offering real-world examples of how traffickers manipulate digital platforms to target youth. Her presentation underscored the urgency of proactive prevention and intervention efforts.

“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 Deep Dive into Social Media’s Role
A panel discussion featuring Nicole Schiff (Paso Del Norte Center of Hope), Victoria Sinis (Creating Gems), Officer Cory Wright (Fort Worth Internet Crimes Against Children), and other experts explored online grooming, sextortion, and the ways young boys are coerced into exploitative cycles. The session also shed light on the mental health impacts of hate speech and digital exposure, reinforcing the need for comprehensive safeguards.
“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  
The summit concluded with a keynote address by Jennifer Newman from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), who emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between policymakers, tech companies, and communities to combat online trafficking.

“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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