Hidden in Plain Sight: Child Trafficking During the Holiday Season
by Janice Chang
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and family togetherness. However, beneath the festive cheer lies a grim reality: child trafficking can become more prevalent during this time of year than many realize. The combination of increased travel, crowded public spaces, and heightened online activity creates prime opportunities for traffickers to exploit vulnerable children.
Child trafficking, which includes forced labor, exploitation, and sex trafficking, affects millions of children globally. In the United States alone, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported receiving over 18,000 reports of potential child sex trafficking in 2023 (1). While specific data on increased rates during the holiday season is limited, the circumstances during this period may likely contribute to these high numbers. The hustle and bustle of travel hubs like airports, train stations, and shopping malls can make it easier for traffickers to operate undetected. Large events and tourist spots, often filled with distractions, can also provide cover for illegal activities.
The internet is another danger zone. With children spending more time online during school breaks, traffickers use social media, chat apps, and gaming platforms to lure and groom victims. What starts as an innocent conversation can quickly escalate into coercion and exploitation. NCMEC data shows that reports of online enticement of children, including financial and sexual exploitation, increased by 300% between 2021 and 2023 (1).
Additionally, while home may be a safe and relaxing place for some children, for others, it may be a place they want to escape due to familial discord, domestic violence, or unsafe living conditions. For these children, running away or lacking stable housing puts them at an increased risk of being targeted by traffickers. The internet also becomes a place where they seek comfort and help, making them vulnerable to predators. According to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), 1 in 3 teenagers are trafficked within 48-72 hours of running away from home (2). Moreover, traffickers are often family members or people the victims know (3,4). Extended time at home during the holidays can give these perpetrators more opportunities. The Counter-Trafficking Data Collaborative (CTDC) reports that worldwide, family members are involved in nearly half of child trafficking cases (5).
Danger Signs and Warning Signs of Child Trafficking (6)
Unusual Control: A child appears to be controlled by someone else, avoids eye contact, or is not allowed to speak for themselves.
Signs of Fear or Anxiety: The child seems fearful, anxious, or shows signs of depression.
Lack of Personal Belongings: The child has few personal items, wears inappropriate clothing for the weather, or appears malnourished.
Confusing or Inconsistent Stories: When questioned, the child gives rehearsed or inconsistent answers.
Restricted Movement: The child seems unable to move freely or is always accompanied by an overly watchful adult.
Signs of Abuse: Physical injuries, signs of neglect, poor hygiene, or ill-fitting clothing.
Special Tattoos or Branding Marks: Tattoos that indicate ownership or branding by traffickers.
Avoidance of Authorities: The child avoids law enforcement or other authority figures.
Lack of Identification: The child does not have identification documents or knows little about their personal details.
The holiday season is particularly dangerous because children are out of school during winter break. Teachers, school nurses, and other professionals who typically spot these warning signs are not available to observe and intervene. Your vigilance can save a life.
What to Do if You Notice These Signs (6)
Do Not Engage Directly: Keep yourself safe and avoid direct confrontation.
Notify Authorities: Alert trained personnel nearby, such as a security guard or TSA officer.
Document Details: If safe, take a photo of the potential victim and trafficker. Note identifying details like tattoos, scars, or clothing.
Report Immediately:
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text "HELP" to 233733
Homeland Security Tipline: 866-347-2423
IL DCFS Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 800-252-2873
Keep Your Children Safe
Stay Vigilant: Keep children within sight when outdoors, especially in busy places like malls, parks, and parking garages.
Emergency Contacts: Provide children with a list of emergency phone numbers.
Stranger Awareness: Teach children not to talk to or go anywhere with strangers.
Meeting Points: When visiting crowded areas, establish safe meeting locations and what to do if separated.
Body Safety & Safe Relationships: Teach children about how to say “No” and protect their own body, and to recognize bullying and healthy vs. unhealthy relationships.
Fox World Travel partnered with PACT (Protecting All Children from Trafficking) to create a Preventing Trafficking Toolkit during travel (7), especially throughout the holidays. It has educational videos and informational cards with tools on how to prevent, spot, and report human trafficking. Please visit here: https://www.foxworldtravel.com/prevent-trafficking-toolkit/
This holiday season, let’s extend our spirit of giving and care to protecting the most vulnerable. By staying informed, spreading awareness, and acting when something feels wrong, we can help ensure that all children experience the safety and joy they deserve.
References:
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. (n.d.). Our impact. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. https://www.missingkids.org/ourwork/impact
Illinois Department of Children & Family Services. (n.d.). Human trafficking of children. Illinois Department of Children & Family Services. https://dcfs.illinois.gov/safe-kids/missing/human-trafficking-of-children.html
Bellatorre, C., Crisp, J. (2024, December 9). The misconceptions of child trafficking. U.S. Department of State. https://www.state.gov/the-misconceptions-of-child-trafficking/
Marsh, E. (2024, January). No One Can Hurt You Like Family: What We Know About Familial Trafficking Identification and Response. Community Oriented Policing Services, U.S. Department of Justice. https://cops.usdoj.gov/html/dispatch/01-2024/familial_trafficking.html
International Organization for Migration. (2017, August). Counter-trafficking data brief. International Organization for Migration. https://www.iom.int/sites/g/files/tmzbdl486/files/our_work/DMM/MAD/Counter-trafficking%20Data%20Brief%20081217.pdf
Manson, L. (2019, November 25). Trafficking in holiday traffic. Anti Trafficking International. https://preventht.org/editorial/trafficking-in-holiday-traffic/
Prevent trafficking toolkit. Fox World Travel. https://www.foxworldtravel.com/prevent-trafficking-toolkit/