Caveat – This article was inspired by a recent case involving a family we worked with, whose teenage daughter was initially enticed by a friend to sell inappropriate photos of their feet online. Unfortunately, this quickly spiraled out of control, leading to the exchange of explicit nude images which eventually led to the introduction to a pimp, who manipulated, recruited, and then isolated the teen from their loved ones, and into his domain of control.
In large and small communities across Canada, the challenges faced by vulnerable youth can take dangerous forms. Criminal exploitation is one of the most concerning issues, as young people are preyed upon for predation, abuse, and financial gain both online and offline. It’s a problem that affects not only those living in big cities, but also youth who live in the tight-knit communities of smaller towns, where the sense of belonging can sometimes provide a false sense of security.
When parents and caregivers think of exploitation, they often envision adults taking advantage of children. But increasingly, it’s not just adults targeting youth – sometimes, their peers are the ones involved in the harmful exploitation, as in the case that inspired this article. Some young people are driven by the fast-money culture, one that glorifies quick wealth through very questionable or illegal means. This lifestyle becomes appealing when youth see their peers in their community purchasing the latest tech gadgets, trendy clothing, jewellery, or other symbols of what they perceive to be the signs of success. It creates the thought of “why not me?” – especially for those who come from vulnerable backgrounds.
This culture of quick money can be incredibly effective in entrapping the most vulnerable youth, particularly those from poor families, foster care, or chaotic home environments. Without strong, positive role models in their lives, they are prime targets for those seeking to exploit them. Pimps, drug dealers, and gang leaders also know how to spot these vulnerabilities and use them to their advantage during their grooming process.
In these situations, youth who are already struggling may begin to seek out ways to survive on their own, even if it means making dangerous choices. However, we also think it is important for parents and caregivers to know that youth who come from “good”, “loving”, and “financially stable” families can still fall prey as well!
Some youth self-initiate into illegal activities, like selling drugs or getting involved in the sex industry. For these youth, it’s about survival – they need cash, and these illicit activities provide them with what they call “survival money”. However, for other teens where it’s not about survival they call it – “splurge, flex, or fun money”.
For some, joining gangs or the sex trade isn’t primarily about the money. Instead, it serves as an emotional and psychological lifeline – where they feel seen, heard, loved, and understood, often for the first time. This sense of belonging becomes a powerful psychological tool, which skilled human traffickers strategically exploit.
The challenge for many of these young people is that they don’t realize they are targets of exploitation. If their role models are promoting this quick-money lifestyle, it can seem normal, even appealing. Youth might believe they are making independent decisions, but they often fail to see the manipulation and abuse beneath the surface.
For example, young people recruited by gangs or pimps may initially feel a sense of empowerment, but they are often later forced to work in unsafe environments for little to no money. These environments are rife with violence and danger, both for youth and for others around them. Over time, they become trapped in a cycle of exploitation and abuse, with few ways to escape which can often lead to addiction or even death.
What distinguishes criminal exploitation from other forms of abuse isn’t necessarily the recruitment, but the intense abuse that follows. Exploiters use manipulation, coercion, and violence to isolate young people from their loved ones, leaving them without support, trapped, and forced to generate financial gain for the exploiter. Once they are no longer deemed valuable, they are often discarded without second thought, like a piece of trash. Something Darren saw in his policing career time and time again.
Parents need to be aware of the signs of exploitation and understand that youth from all walks of life can be at risk. (1) Even if a young person appears to be making these choices willingly, it’s important to recognize that their vulnerabilities are being preyed upon. These vulnerabilities can include but are not limited to factors such as poverty, lack of positive role models, or chaotic home environments, all of which can push them toward these dangerous situations.
So, What Can Parents Do?
- Maintaining open lines of communication with your children is crucial. Ensure they feel loved, seen, heard, and understood at home so they don’t seek these feelings from dangerous sources.
- Talk to your children about the dangers of quick-money schemes, whether through drugs, sex work, or gangs. Help them understand the difference between legitimate opportunities and dangerous exploitation.
- Be on the lookout for changes in behavior, new friendships with questionable influences, unexplained money, or sudden access to expensive items. These can be indicators of involvement in some form of criminal activities.
- Vulnerable youth are often looking for acceptance and love. Provide a stable and supportive environment at home and seek out positive role models for your children through mentoring programs, community activities, or school involvement.
- If you suspect that your child is being exploited, don’t hesitate to reach out to local support services, law enforcement, or child protection agencies. Early intervention can prevent these situations from escalating. Here in the Greater Victoria, we have the MYST Team (2)
Ultimately, protecting vulnerable youth from predation and exploitation requires a proactive, informed approach from parents, caregivers, educators, and the community. Whether in large urban centers or small rural towns, exploitation can take root when young people feel neglected, misunderstood, or driven by the need for quick money. By staying connected with your children, educating them about the risks of illegal activities, and offering them support and love, parents can help shepherd youth away from these harmful paths.
Early intervention, awareness, and involvement are key to breaking the cycle of exploitation, ensuring that young people find their value in safe, empowering environments, rather than in dangerous lifestyles that threaten their well-being. Together, we can work to protect our youth and offer them the hope and opportunities they deserve to excel in today’s onlife world.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Enlighten Not Frighten, Facts Not Fear, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
References:
1/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/online-sexual-predation-and-exploitation/
2/ https://truebluepodcast.buzzsprout.com/1303453/episodes/14348446
