Social Media and Exploitation

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Social media and the Internet can be used in a variety of different ways. At its best, a world of resources, ideas, creativity, and learning are in the palm of your hand. At its worst, social media is used to manipulate, bully, and exploit people of all ages, demographics, and backgrounds. Get more information on OCFS’s response to child trafficking and exploitation.

While young people are perhaps society’s most well-versed users of social media, they are also the most vulnerable to tactics used by exploiters and traffickers online. This page contains information about the intersection between social media and exploitation, plus resources if things go wrong.

Love146, a non-profit dedicated to preventing and eradicating child exploitation, has a guide for caregivers with tips for talking to youth about internet safety and much more.
Shared Hope International, a non-profit focused on child sex trafficking that offers fact sheets, videos, a Parent Guide, and app-specific information about how to talk with young people about online safety to prevent trafficking.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) operates the national Cyber Tipline. Learn the facts and make a report here, if necessary.
Sextortion is a form of exploitation, and it’s all too common. Learn more at stopsextortion.com
US Department of Justice: When your Child is Missing: A Family Survival Guide
Thorn, a non-profit that works to address the role of technology in the sexual exploitation of children.