When you think about where you’ve learned the most reliable information about safety, what comes to mind? The answer to that question is often not a formal institution, but from conversations, passing remarks and other shared experiences within your family or community. PACT often refers to using your “community as a resource.” But what does that look like?

Children across the United States continue to face harm from online grooming for sexual exploitation, and it is imperative to increase anti-trafficking efforts by equipping schools with the necessary resources to protect children. Education about exploitation, recruitment, grooming, and consent must be taught at every level in age-appropriate and culturally sensitive ways that ensure inclusivity and understanding. ECPAT-USA urges the implementation of a state-wide human trafficking prevention curriculum within schools for students, educators, and school personnel.