The internet is now the front line of exploitation and human trafficking, and many parents and practitioners are ill-prepared to help youth navigate its challenges. The statistics are alarming: 80% of child sex crimes involve social media platforms which 94% of teens use daily, 36 million tips of online child enticement are reported annually in the U.S., and sextortion ranks as the fastest-growing crime against children in North America. To address this crisis, anti-trafficking organization, The Exodus Road (TER), created Influenced™, a research-driven prevention program designed for 6-12th grade students and their caregivers. This comprehensive approach uses Gen Z-approved presentations, video-based learning, and skills-building workshops to address sextortion, cyberbullying, privacy protection, grooming, and impacts of technology on mental health. Data from extensive pre/post surveys reveals the program's critical need and effectiveness. In one 2024 workshop, 68 Colorado students shockingly reported over 100 instances of online enticement. Similar findings were discovered across 54 workshops in 9 states, where 84% of teens report encountering predatory behavior through social media or gaming. Following the Influenced™ workshop, students express feeling empowered to refuse participation in online negativity (84%), engage more mindfully in relationships (85%), and implement practical skills to identify predators and protect themselves (87%). An overwhelming 92% believe the program is effectively helping peers stay safe online. This session offers evidence-based strategies for implementing digital safety education, proven approaches to engaging youth and caregivers in critical conversations, and practical resources for attendees to address online dangers within their communities.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Sarah Ray, Global Director of Education and Aftercare at The Exodus Road and MSc graduate in Sustainable Development from University of Sussex, brings 17 years’ experience fighting poverty and human trafficking. She designs trauma-informed programs across continents, authors global curricula, and pioneers digital safety initiatives protecting youth from online exploitation.