Effectively protecting kids online starts with awareness of topics we, as parents, don't want to believe could ever happen to our kids. This is one of those episodes. Believe it or not, children really are being sex-trafficked in our communities — and it almost always starts with online messaging and texting. Matt Osborn from Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) provides crucial information so parents know exactly what to teach their kids so they can protect themselves online.

How common sex trafficking is 1:28
Who is running this trade, and what the demand is 6:12
How the victims are being approached 10:37
Staying connected with your child and helping them not get involved online 16:50
Learn more about O.U.R. 19:18
Recognizing the signs of trafficking 21:36

"First and foremost, it's awareness. Just knowing this is out there, educating your child, and letting your child know that they're never gonna get in trouble for telling you as a parent that someone said something inappropriate, or sent an inappropriate picture, or is asking them to do things deep down they know isn't right. Let the child know they won't get in trouble, but they need to share that with the parent. They need to share that with a trusted authority, teacher, or pastor. However, it may be because if left unchecked, that's where they start going down the slippery slope of human trafficking and child exploitation." 5:07

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