Major Philly events expected to draw big crowds — and predators. What parents should look out for

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — As the region prepares to host major national and international events, including the FIFA World Cup and celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary, anti-human trafficking advocates are warning parents to watch out for human trafficking predators who may be luring kids online.

Officials say the latest tactic targets children through social media.

“It’s much more sophisticated in the sense that it is emotionally and psychologically abusive,” said Sarah Gibbons, executive director of Family Support Line in Delaware County, which helps prevent child sex abuse and treat survivors. “So these kids do get money, they do get goods, they get all kinds of things.

“A lot of the kids … don’t see themselves as victims, and they’re very resistant to getting help because they think they are consenting to this lifestyle,” she continued. “What a lot of people don’t realize is any child that is having sex with any kind of exchange of goods or money is considered being trafficked.”

While many who are preyed upon have tough lives, Gibbons said they can be any kid or teenager from any background.

“The people who are like the Romeos, the people who may appear as the boyfriend, but actually they’re the ones that are pulling them into recruiting,” she said.

If children have new and expensive gifts, rides or cars, or even paid beauty treatments, those are all warning signs, she said. They may also be very possessive of their phone.

Gibbons said traffickers may be using Philadelphia’s big summer events to lure new victims, using job opportunities as bait.

“Make sure that these are legit businesses and these are not people that are trying to lure your kids and recruit your kids into sex work or labor trafficking,” she said.

If you suspect trafficking or aren’t sure, call the state’s ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313, or use the Safe2Say app.

Listen to the full conversation with Gibbons about what parents can do to protect their children in the player below: