Parents and trusted adults worldwide are all too aware of the devastating effects of exploitation. As technology advances, so do the tactics traffickers use to target young people. A growing concern is how technology is fueling exploitation, making it easier than ever for traffickers to reach young people — a crime often referred to as sextortion.
With this new threat, exploitation can now happen on a smartphone screen, a gaming console, or even a social media app. It’s already affecting teens in our schools, churches, and online communities here in Colorado. All teens — regardless of background — can become targets. Particularly vulnerable are youth dealing with homelessness, runaways, or those who are in the foster care system.
For many, exploitation is happening under their own roofs, often without parents realizing it. They are discovering that their child has been trafficked — a parent’s worst nightmare — is an unthinkable reality. But awareness is the first step toward prevention.
Yes, the situation may appear grim right now, but hope is on the horizon. Our faith-driven community is standing together to protect and restore lives.
The Changing Face of Exploitation: What Parents and Authority Figures Need To Know
Predators are adapting. Exploitation now happens in everyday spaces — social media, gaming platforms, and private messaging apps. Online sexual abuse has increased by over 80% since 2020, showing how quickly this crisis is growing.
And it’s not just homeless youth at risk — it’s any child with internet access. Perpetrators disguise themselves as friends or romantic interests, gaining trust before pressuring teens into dangerous situations.
Once trust is built, traffickers use flattery, secrecy, emotional blackmail, and threats to control their victims, making it difficult for teens to recognize the danger until it’s too late. For parents, realizing their child has been trafficked often comes when the trauma is already done.
The Connection Between Homelessness and Trafficking
Youth experiencing homelessness are among the most vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation. Colorado has one of the highest runaway rates in the country, and 1 in 3 runaway youth will experience exploitation within 48 hours of leaving home.
But this isn’t just a crisis affecting runaway youth. The average age of entry into trafficking is just 11 to 14 years old, meaning many victims are still living at home when the abuse begins. Even in what seem like safe environments, traffickers manipulate and coerce children — turning a parent’s worst nightmare into reality.
The above exploitation trends paint a stark reality of how exploitation is taking a grip on our youth.
The Dark Reality of Online Exploitation and Sextortion
Predators no longer need to lure children away from home to exploit them. With an 87% increase in online sexual abuse since 2019, teens aged 15 to 17 have become the primary targets of these online threats, facing sophisticated manipulation from strangers who often pose as peers. Traffickers and exploiters are using technology to gain access to their victims—right from their bedrooms.
Sextortion Definition
What is sextortion, exactly?
Sextortion is a form of blackmail where predators threaten to expose intimate images to force victims into continued exploitation. In some cases, victims are coerced into in-person meetings or further abuse, leading to full-scale trafficking.
Boys and girls alike are being targeted at alarming rates, leading to increased suicide incidents as victims feel trapped with no way out. Boys may be less likely to report or seek help due to shame or embarrassment. For parents, sextortion is a devastating crime that can quickly escalate — evolving into trafficking.
We must stop at nothing to support those who are or may be experiencing exploitation — no matter what form it takes.
How Sextortion Occurs Online
We now know what sextortion is, but how does it happen?
It all comes down to digital technology,
Live-streaming platforms and image-sharing enable real-time exploitation, while AI-generated explicit content creates new avenues for manipulation even without authentic images.
Signs That a Teen May Be at Risk for Exploitation
It’s not always easy to spot who’s struggling, but there are signs, recognized with a little bit of vigilance. Exploitation can be hard to recognize, but there are warning signs.
Sexual abuse often manifests in behavioral and circumstantial changes, including:
- Sudden withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities
- Unexplained emotional changes
- Secretive communication and reluctance to discuss new relationships
- Changes in sleep patterns or nightmares
- Substance abuse
- Trouble concentrating
There are also situational red flags. Look out for the following:
- New relationships with significantly older individuals
- Unexplained expensive items, hotel stays, or cash
- Multiple social media accounts
- Unexplained injuries or health changes
- Increased secrecy around phone or computer usage
If something feels off, trust your gut. Ask questions, be present, and let children and teens know you’re a safe place to turn.
Want to learn more? Reach out to us and note that you’re interested in youth SE (Sexual Exploitation) trends to equip yourself with tools to recognize and prevent child exploitation.
How Parents and Trusted Adults Can Protect Teens
How can we as parents and trusted adult prevent exploitation?
First and foremost, staying engaged in our teens’ online activities is crucial. Open conversations about the dangers of exploitation — without fear, shame, or judgment — create a safe space for them to ask questions and seek guidance. Being a safe place for our children to land means listening with understanding rather than reacting with anger or punishment.
Equipping teens with critical thinking skills is another powerful tool. Teaching them to recognize manipulation tactics — such as flattery, secrecy, and emotional blackmail — empowers them to identify red flags before exploitation occurs. When young people trust that they can come to us without fear of extreme reactions, they are far more likely to reach out for help in difficult situations.
Here is a list of things you can do today to help protect your children and teens:
Know Their Online Activity
- Use monitoring tools like Bark to help keep your child safe.
- Talk to them about online risks and what to do if they feel uncomfortable.
Have Open, Judgment-Free Conversations
- Teach them about manipulation tactics—like flattery, secrecy, and threats.
- Let them know they won’t be punished for coming to you for help.
Set Boundaries & Safety Rules
- Encourage privacy online—never share locations or personal info.
No parent ever wants to imagine their child falling prey to exploitation. But by staying informed, having ongoing conversations, and setting boundaries, you can help protect them from being trafficked
Re-Fined’s Role in Raising Awareness and Offering Support
At Re-Fined, we’re dedicated to addressing exploitation through Christ-centered, restorative relationship-based programs and services.
We believe in empowering our community, which is why we offer SE101 Training and other youth/trend-related training for parents and trusted adults. These programs equip families, pregnancy centers, and any program that works with at-risk teens or those coming out of crisis with recognition and response tools.
And we can’t forget the power of community when fighting exploitation. When it comes to community-based programs, we have many programs that make a significant impact on the lives of those we serve. We provide GAP Nights in safe homes, which offer a trauma-informed, Christ-centered curriculum for individuals rebuilding their lives.
The Faithful Friend Program creates restorative relationships supporting healing, while our Continuing Care Community offers ongoing support for those transitioning from crisis to stability. For those facing legal challenges, our Court Support Program supports those recovering from trafficking to navigate the legal system with care and dignity. Many of the individuals we serve were initially targeted in their adolescent years and have been regularly exploited through online platforms.
Therefore, above all, we are committed to education, prevention, and restoration for those affected by exploitation.
Get Involved. Help Protect and Restore Lives.
Every single one of us has a role to play in protecting our youth from exploitation. One of the most impactful ways to make a difference is by equipping yourself with knowledge.
Understanding the realities of exploitation is the first step in preventing it, and Re-Fined offers Mission Briefings and SE101 training to help individuals, churches, and community groups recognize the warning signs and take action. These virtual trainings happen monthly, making them accessible to anyone who wants to be part of the solution.
If you’re looking for a way to engage further, consider hosting a Mission Briefing at your church, small group, or school. Education is a powerful tool, and by raising awareness, you’re creating a community that is informed, vigilant, and ready to stand against exploitation.
Your support — whether through prayer, financial partnership, or advocacy — helps us continue this critical work. Together, we can create a future where every child and young person is safe, seen, and supported. Contact us today to discuss how to best get involved.
