America has the most child trafficking in the world (Child trafficking by country, 2024). Child trafficking is the use of children for the purpose of exploitation in numerous ways. (UNODC n.d.) These vulnerable children are exploited to several types of abuse. Some of this abuse includes sexual exploitation, illegal adoptions, and forced labor. (UNODC, n.d.) Across the United States, the number of children trafficked each year is roughly 300,000. (What are the statistics on human trafficking of children? n.d.) Traffickers use techniques such as manipulation, deception, and violence to take these young children away from their homes to abuse or sell them to other men or women. Child trafficking groups are mostly connected online through different under-the-wire websites, which makes it difficult for law enforcement to track the traffickers. Although child trafficking is a complex subject to touch, public awareness on this issue needs to be discussed worldwide so we all have a better understanding of this topic. With a better experience, we can all help combat this issue and end child suffering worldwide.

             In order to solve this worldwide epidemic, we as a whole country need to understand that child trafficking is a tragic problem driven by factors such as poverty, instability, and lack of education (Help ChildrenNow: UNICEF USA,. n.d.). Traffickers' main target is the vulnerable. In most instances, traffickers target families with little to no money to offer them jobs so they can exploit their young boys and girls (Nstsnadmin, 2021). Traffickers leave psychological, physical, and emotional effects on these poor innocent children, and it needs to come to an end. Nstsnadmin states that, “Children who have been trafficked and rescued present burn marks, lacerations, broken bones, and internal injuries” (p. 1). Some psychological effects of trafficking on not just children but also adults include PTSD, dissociation, suicidal thoughts, and dealing with self-guilt or blame (p. 1) These effects are presented in humans under the age of eighteen. These children haven't even begun to live their lives yet, and they are already being shown the true horrors of what this world has to offer. The Ark of Hope states that, “The average age of trafficked children is just twelve years old,” (What are the statistics on human trafficking of children? n.d.). This is just the average age, but there are children who are much younger and are currently enduring this type of abuse.

           There are numerous different organizations that are tackling the child sex trafficking issue. One organization is called NightLight, which “is an international organization compelled by love to reach out to, rescue, and restore all those who have been negatively affected by sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation” (Home. NightLight, 2023). NightLight provides refuge counseling and housing for those trying to leave situations traffickers have put them in. This organization can be found in Springfield, Missouri, and Bangkok, Thailand (p. n.d). NightLight has successfully captured over 4,000 predators, and that number is continuously growing (p. n.d).

            Another major human trafficking organization working to combat this issue is OUR (Operation Underground Railroad.) As OUR’s website states, “OUR works with the federal government in efforts to put human traffickers in prison and rescue children from this industry” (Help rescue people from sex trafficking and exploitation, 2024). This organization teams with International Law to gather intelligence, identify victims, and assist with survivor care. They work with law enforcement agencies all over the world in areas, such as Asia, Latin America, The Middle East, The USA, and Canada.

Although child trafficking is an ongoing issue, there have been many anti-trafficking laws that are in place to aid in combating the problem. In 2019, President Donald Trump signed the Fredrick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2018. This act held many insights that would hopefully help federal authorities in combatting human trafficking (United States Department of Justice, 2023). This act increased awareness of goods produced by enforced labor. Another memorable act that was passed back in 2015 was The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (p. 1). This act added the production of child pornography to the definition of illicit sexual conduct. The Texas Human Trafficking organization put out this statement, “The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act also directed the Attorney General to create a National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking.” (Ladd. M & Jones, 2021)

It isn't up to just these organizations and the government when it comes to ridding our country of sex trafficking. The citizens of this country can also play a vital role, as well. Raising awareness of child trafficking can educate others on the importance of this issue. Most students in school don’t know or understand the dangers of child trafficking. Teaching the young about this epidemic can make child trafficking less common. Individuals can also host events and use social media to spread awareness of child sex trafficking. Posting more statistics and showing different views of child trafficking can make people more aware of how serious this issue is. Nightlight, OUR, and many more organizations have websites open to the public, where people worldwide contribute to the fight by volunteering or donating money to the cause. It is also important to educate people on how to spot someone who is being trafficked. Children or adults who seem to be controlled, fearful, or appear to be unable to speak may be being trafficked. The National Hotline for Human Trafficking is 1(888)373-7888. “While the subject of child sex trafficking may be overwhelming, individual efforts to end this issue can make a significant impact on the lives of others” (Adventist University. S, 2016). Anybody can contribute, whether through education, activism, or vigilance.

Child trafficking is a global crisis that demands attention. Our government and surrounding organizations are working together to combat this issue continuously. If the citizens came together and spread more awareness of this epidemic, then we can all help put an end to child sex trafficking. Although significant challenges remain, we can fight this epidemic, as well.