Signs to look for if children are being trafficked ahead of the World Cup

Lisa Tomlinson of the Children's Aid Society of Toronto talks about how traffickers prey on marginalized youth during big events like the World Cup.

With the FIFA men’s World Cup only days away, Toronto and Vancouver are preparing to welcome a flood of visitors from all over the world to their cities.

With that boost in international crowds comes an increased risk of young people being trafficked.

Lisa Tomlinson, CEO of the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, told CTV Your Morning on Friday that big events like the World Cup present lots of prospects for traffickers.

“(There is) opportunity to bring in tourists, opportunity for pre- (and) post-parties, opportunity to really look at trafficking some of our young folks into those events, primarily (for) sex trafficking,” she said.

Tomlinson admits it’s especially hard to know what children and teenagers are getting up to on their phones and through social media. But what she says makes things even more challenging is that traffickers are smart and organized, preying on youth who are marginalized and face emotional challenges.

They do that by presenting minors with compelling offerings.

“What they’re doing is they’re using finances,” Tomlinson said. “’I gonna buy you lunch, I’m gonna buy you food. Here is some money. Here’s some clothing. Here is an opportunity to be part of a party.’”

She added that young people from all different communities, both rural and urban, are at risk, especially during an international event.

“We’re also working with our colleagues in British Columbia, because we know young people are taken, which is an opportunity to travel, see the world kind of thing, or see Canada,” Tomlinson said. “They’re taken across provinces … into other areas, to other events, as well. It is something that parents should be concerned about and should be watching for. “

She said a telltale sign a young person is being trafficked is when they suddenly are in the possession of unusual gifts - like clothes they’ve never owned before – or are staying out longer, without letting anyone know where they are.

Tomlinson said it’s important for parents and guardians to listen to their children and make sure they have a safety plan when they’re going out.

“Can they call you at any time when they need to get home in an emergency? Is there somebody else that they can contact? Because sometimes kids don’t want to get in trouble. Is there somebody else in their life, whether it’s a family friend,” she said.

Tomlinson also recommended parents and guardians visit The Children’s Aid Society of Toronto’s website to learn more about what they can look out for if they’re concerned about trafficking.