Keeping Students Safe from Sexual Exploitation
The DSBN is committed to helping students stay safe from sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. Creating safe schools requires awareness, prevention, and strong partnerships between schools, families, and community organizations.
The DSBN works closely with families, community agencies, Indigenous partners, and police services to raise awareness, support prevention efforts, and respond when there are concerns about student safety and well-being.
If You Are Concerned About a Child or Youth
If you are concerned about a child or youth who may be experiencing exploitation or trafficking, you can contact:
- Your child’s principal or a trusted school staff member
- The Niagara Regional Police Human Trafficking Unit at 1-833-900-1010 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- Emergency services by calling 911 if someone is in immediate danger
- The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- Access culturally responsive support through the Hope for Wellness Helpline at 1-855-242-3310 or visit hopeforwellness.ca
Seeking support early can make a significant difference in helping young people stay safe and connected to caring adults.
Helpful Information
For Parents/Guardians
What Is Sex Trafficking?
Sex trafficking occurs when a person is recruited, manipulated, controlled, or coerced into providing sexual services or engaging in sexual activity for another person’s benefit.
Traffickers often rely on manipulation rather than physical force. They may build trust by offering attention, gifts, money, affection, support, or a sense of belonging before attempting to exploit a young person.
Traffickers may present themselves as a friend, romantic partner, mentor, or someone offering help and support. Over time, they may use pressure, threats, isolation, or other forms of control to maintain influence over a young person.
Sex trafficking can affect youth of all genders, identities, cultures, and backgrounds. It can occur in person or through online interactions, social media platforms, gaming platforms, and messaging apps.
Possible Warning Signs
Any child or youth can be targeted by a trafficker. Changes in behaviour do not necessarily indicate trafficking, but they may signal that a young person needs additional support or that something is causing concern.
Changes in attendance and engagement
- increased absences
- declining school performance
- withdrawing from activities
Changes in relationships
- isolation from family or friends
- secrecy about new relationships
- spending time with significantly older individuals
Changes in belongings or finances
- unexplained gifts, money, clothing, or phones
Changes in emotional or physical well-being
- anxiety, fearfulness, depression
- signs of physical harm
- exhaustion or lack of access to basic needs
If something feels concerning, trust your instincts and reach out to a trusted professional for support.
Online Safety Matters
Many traffickers begin by building trust online before moving conversations to private messaging platforms or in-person meetings.
Families can help by:
- Maintaining open conversations about online activity
- Encouraging youth to speak with a trusted adult if an interaction feels uncomfortable or unsafe
- Discussing healthy relationships, consent, and personal boundaries
- Helping youth understand that people online may not always be who they claim to be
- Promoting safe and responsible use of technology
Strong relationships and ongoing communication are among the most effective protective factors for young people.
Additional Resources
Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline
1-833-900-1010
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Hope for Wellness Helpline
1-855-242-3310
Counselling and crisis intervention services for Indigenous Peoples across Canada.
Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868
Text CONNECT to 686868
Niagara Regional Police Service
For emergencies, call 911
24 Hour Crisis Line 905 682 4584
Non-Emergencies: 905 688 4111 ext 1025121
Email: Humantraffickingunit@niagarapolice.ca
Webpage: https://www.niagarapolice.ca/what-we-do/special-victims-unit/human-trafficking/
Learn More About the DSBN Anti-Sex Trafficking Protocol
The Board’s protocol outlines how schools respond when concerns arise and how staff work with families and community partners to support student safety.
District School Board of Niagara Anti-Sex Trafficking Protocol