Children and young people voraciously consume technology and social media, expanding social connections and relationships far beyond previous generations. With such advances, it has been argued, young people are at greater risk of exposure to unwanted sexual material and advances via these media. Some youth appear to be particularly vulnerable to internet solicitation, placing them at significant risk of subsequent sexual victimization. This presentation is an extension of last year’s discussion at the IHTSJ Conference. It will serve to review basic theory and how early disruptions in attachment and developmental needs contribute to vulnerability to internet solicitation and sexual exploitation and trafficking. Using this information as a springboard, the discussion will highlight various avenues of improving prevention, detection, and intervention, ranging from parent education, to provider education, to greater system involvement and program development.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Kirsten Byrnes is a licensed board certified clinical and forensic psychologist. She is the Director of Clinical Research and Training at POETIC. In addition to clinical practice, she is an active professor and educator who has conducted research on maltreatment, trafficking, trauma, grooming, and other forensic issues.