Today approximately 20.9 million people are victims of human trafficking worldwide. Every aspect of an ordinary life vanishes and lives are disrupted while relatives wait and search for those lost to handlers. Victims are subjected to cruelty and inhumane treatment and few manage to escape from their traffickers.

Human trafficking is the illegal movement of people, typically for the purposes of forced labor or commercial sexual exploitation. Between 600,000 and 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders each year, making it the second largest source of illegal income worldwide. About 80% are women and girls and up to 50% are under the age of 18. 

Because human trafficking is so widespread, all the students need to be aware of their surroundings, ignore too-good-to-be-true offers for movies or modelling, and alert authorities if they are approached or witness attempts to persuade others. Recalling the “stranger danger” motto and bringing attention to oneself in the event of being approached are key means to prevent becoming a victim.

Senior Nicole Wills states, “Human trafficking is an issue that is often overlooked or ignored completely because it seems so foreign and doesn’t affect most of our daily lives. However, that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a disturbing and dangerous problem that affects and potentially destroys the lives of its victims. Change is often achieved through raising awareness, so the importance of doing so is indisputable.”

SHS has put up posters across campus to spread light on the issue of human trafficking and show ways to detect victims. These clues and characters include: students who are frequently absent, disengaged, often changing friend groups, and who run away. Students are encouraged to call, text, or leave an anonymous tip for the speak out hotline and the Just Do Something… Anything (JDSA) organization.

SHS Principal Dr. Connie Collins says, “First of all, young  people are the more likely targets of trafficking.  But also, the more we are all aware of this evil, the more able we are to prevent human trafficking. “

Unfortunately, this is a major problem in today’s day and age, which is running rampantly in the U.S., as well as in other countries. Though efforts are being made to prevent its rise, it still continues. Vulnerable persons, such as women and children, need to be alert at all times to avoid victimization.