Young People Face a Growing Risk of Online...

Lakehead Students are Raising Awareness about Human Trafficking

"As more of young people's lives move into the virtual world, online platforms and apps are increasingly being used to contact, groom, manipulate, and exploit young people," says Lakehead student Taylor Munro.

Taylor and fellow social work students Steven Kearney, Shanta Paudel Khatiwada, Kris Carlson, and Tessa Pasqualino recently investigated this growing problem.

"Social media is now both a place of connection and a place of exploitation," says Taylor Munro (pictured left). She and her fellow students' human trafficking project gave them the opportunity to engage with a complex and urgent social issue early in their academic and professional development.

As part of an undergraduate social work theory course taught by professor Abigale Sprakes, they studied the impact of human trafficking in Thunder Bay and northwestern Ontario.

Their research focused on the online exploitation of young people aged 12-18.

As part of this important work, they developed a social media campaign to raise public awareness about human trafficking.

Social work students Taylor Munro and (left to right) Steven Kearney, Kris Carlson, Tessa Pasqualino, and Shanta Paudel Khatiwada hosted an information table about human trafficking at Thunder Bay's Intercity Mall in February 2026. They say that "one of the most important takeaways from our research is the need to shift how we understand vulnerability."

These efforts were bolstered by a letter-writing campaign aimed at key stakeholders and decision-makers with the power to take action against trafficking.

The students also participated in a community awareness event organized by the Thunder Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking at the Intercity Shopping Centre in February 2026.

Human Trafficking in Northwestern Ontario

The core mechanics of trafficking-recruitment, control, and exploitation-are consistent across Canada, but regional context shapes how it occurs.

In northwestern Ontario, domestic sex trafficking that targets women and youth is the most prevalent form of trafficking.

"It doesn't usually look like what you see in the movies," explains Shanta Paudel Khatiwada.

"Trafficking is less about abduction by strangers, which does happen, and more about abusive relationships, manipulation, and victims being moved between communities."

Trafficking is subtle and embedded in everyday environments, particularly online.

The Rise of a Dangerous Threat

Social media has become a gateway for the trafficking and exploitation of children and youth on an unprecedented scale.

This is particularly the case in northwestern Ontario. The region's geographic isolation and limited access to services and social supports make it more likely that youth will seek connection online.

Approximately 91% of Canadians aged 15-24 report using some sort of social networking platform, making them vulnerable to online predators. This means that young people's access to technology must be balanced with meaningful safeguards and awareness.

Traffickers then deploy a range of online tactics, including grooming through fake identities and sextortion (using images for blackmail).

Luring victims by pretending that they're interested in a romantic relationship, known as the "boyfriend model," is another popular strategy.

"Because of this, many young people do not initially identify as 'victims,'" Steven Kearney says. "But what may appear as a 'choice' is frequently survival within highly controlled circumstances."

Online platform features such as anonymous accounts, disappearing messages, livestreaming, and algorithm-driven connections make it easier to contact, manipulate, and isolate youth-often in a frighteningly short space of time.

The students' research showed that Snapchat is one of the most commonly used social media platforms for trafficking and exploitation.

Who is at risk?

Traffickers are highly skilled at identifying the unmet needs of young people and positioning themselves as the solution.

"They look for signals, both online and offline, such as loneliness, conflict at home, financial stress, or a desire for belonging," Kris Carlson says.

They then set about exploiting these normal human needs."

The social work students discovered that escaping trafficking is not a single moment but a process. Recovery may involve housing, healthcare, counselling, legal advocacy, and community connection. Photo Credit: Pexels/cottonbro studio

There are also social factors and systemic inequities, such as colonialism, racism, and homophobia, which can increase a young person's vulnerability.

For instance, youth who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC, and those who've had adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), may be at higher risk because they're part of marginalized groups with less access to support.

We All Have a Role to Play

Human trafficking is a crime that affects every aspect of a person's life, including physically, psychologically, relationally, and neurologically.

The research students developed infographics, including this one, that they shared with the Thunder Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking for their use. Some of the students also posted the infographics to their personal social media platforms to further public awareness.

So how can parents protect their children?

"When children feel safe, seen, and supported, they are more likely to recognize risk before a situation escalates," Tessa Pasqualino says.

"Open, non-judgmental conversations about online spaces, relationships, and safety are essential."

The most effective protection is not to control a young person's world, but to prepare them to navigate it safely.

Likewise, schools and social service providers can play a critical role in prevention and early intervention. Developing strong legislation and protections to keep pace with the constantly evolving world of the internet is equally important.

"We want people to remember that young people are not 'seeking attention' when they're online," the student researchers add.

"They are seeking connection, belonging, and safety. When those needs are unmet, they can be exploited."

Parents, educators, and community members can click here to learn more about tools and resources to prevent human trafficking.

If you, or someone you know, may be a victim of trafficking, call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010.