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Report the Abuse of Children or Teens

If a child is in immediate danger, do not hesitate for a moment—reach out to your local law enforcement agency without delay by dialing 911! Their safety depends on your swift action.

The following warning signs are widely recognized indicators that a child or teen may be vulnerable to grooming, sexual exploitation, or trafficking. One sign alone does not confirm abuse — but patterns, secrecy, and sudden behavioral changes are important to take seriously.

Organizations like Polaris Project and National Center for Missing & Exploited Children highlight the following concerns:

🚩 Warning Signs in Children & Teens

Sudden changes in behavior, grades, or friends

  • Drop in academic performance
  • Withdrawal from family
  • New friend group that is older or secretive
  • Increased defiance or unexplained mood shifts

Sudden changes often indicate outside influence, stress, or manipulation.

Running away frequently

  • Leaving home overnight or for extended periods
  • Staying with people the family does not know
  • History of homelessness or couch-surfing

Runaway youth are at very high risk of exploitation within days.

Secretive about online activity

  • Multiple social media accounts
  • Hiding screens when adults enter
  • Receiving messages from unknown adults
  • Sudden use of encrypted or secondary apps

Online grooming is a common recruitment pathway.

Evidence of older romantic partners

  • Significant age gaps
  • Controlling or possessive behavior
  • Teen describes partner as “protective” but isolated from others

This can be part of grooming — building emotional dependence before exploitation.

Gifts, money, or expensive items from unknown sources

  • New phone, clothes, nails, hair appointments
  • Cash without explanation
  • Travel paid for by someone else

Traffickers often use gifts to create obligation or loyalty.

⚠️ Especially Important

  • Any minor involved in commercial sex is legally considered a trafficking victim, even if they say it is “their choice.”
  • Shame and fear often prevent children from disclosing what’s happening.

What to Do If You’re Concerned

In cases where a child is in immediate peril, it is imperative to act without hesitation—contact your local law enforcement authority without delay by calling 911. The child’s safety relies on your prompt response.

In the U.S., you can contact:

  • National Human Trafficking Hotline – 1-888-373-7888 (call or text 233733)
  • National Center for Missing & Exploited Children – 1-800-THE-LOST