This summer, Vancouver will host several major international events that are expected to bring large crowds and plenty of excitement.
While we do not have direct evidence that events like these cause a rise in local human trafficking or child sexual exploitation, we do know that large events bring more visitors and can place extra pressure on local police, emergency, and support services.
Because child sexual exploitation and trafficking are often underreported, it helps to stay aware. These events can create new opportunities for exploiters to groom young people by offering gifts, access, or experiences that seem exciting or exclusive.
Examples might include:
- Free game tickets
- Invitations to parties or promotional events said to be connected to the main event
- Rides to events or parties
- Free accommodation near events
- Offers of “collaborations,” brand promotion, or modelling opportunities
Offers like these can be a warning sign, especially when they come from someone a young person does not know well. They may appear on social media from someone claiming to be connected to the event, or even from a so-called friend of a friend. Because they can seem believable, they may be hard for teens to brush off.
That’s why calm, ongoing conversations with your child matter. These offers may sound exciting, but they can lead to unsafe situations and are often not what they seem.
How to talk with your teen about these risks:
- Help them think through why these offers may not be genuine. You might ask: Does it make sense for someone to spend hundreds of dollars on a stranger they met online? What might they want in return? If something expensive is being offered for no clear reason, there is often a catch.
- Remind them that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Free tickets may not be real, and a party invitation may not be connected to the event at all.
- Talk about what could happen if they accept. These situations can become unsafe quickly. Parties may involve adults, alcohol, or drugs, and depending on someone else for a ride can leave a young person without a safe way home.
- Let them know how easy it is to fake invitations or proof. With AI and editing tools, screenshots and confirmations can be created or changed easily, so they are not always reliable.
- Go over a few simple safety habits together. Keep social media accounts private, avoid adding strangers, and do not share sensitive photos. If your child is going to an event, make sure they tell you where they are, who they are with, and know they can call you anytime if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Kids are often more aware than we think. When we talk honestly, calmly, and in age-appropriate ways about risk, they are more likely to listen, ask questions, and understand that these conversations come from a place of care.
For more guidance on talking to kids about sexual exploitation, explore our resources:
10 Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe Online
How to Talk to Kids About Online Exploitation
Have a safe and fun summer!