Youth Human Trafficking Education and Empowerment Program
This Youth Human Trafficking Education and Empowerment program is a collaborative initiative designed by ACT Alberta, Alberta Crime Stoppers, and Little Warriors to address the growing risks of exploitation and trafficking faced by Alberta’s youth. The program aims to equip students, educators and parents across the province with the knowledge and skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to online and in-person exploitation. It also focuses on promoting healthy relationships, identifying toxic behaviours, and fostering long-term protective habits for young people while equipping them with relevant resources
The program is designed for all students, parents and accompanying educators across Alberta, from middle school to high school, with adaptations to meet the developmental and cognitive needs of different age groups.
It also includes access to resources and supports, and has been clinically over-viewed and approved for youth audiences. A complementary training component is available for parents, guardians, front-line youth service providers, teachers, and community members, supporting a coordinated and holistic approach to prevention.
The primary goal of this program is to safeguard Alberta’s youth from exploitation and human trafficking by:
Raising Awareness: Educating students, parents and educators about the realities of human trafficking and exploitation in both online and physical environments.
Prevention: Teaching students how to identify potential threats, recognize the signs of unhealthy or toxic relationships, and protect themselves and their peers, while also equipping parents with the tools to start meaningful conversations and create a safe, supportive space for their children.
Empowerment: Providing actionable strategies and resources for students to seek help, support others, and report suspicious activities.
Program Components
Interactive Curriculum: Tailored for age-appropriate learning, covering topics such as online safety and how to use technology safely, understanding and identifying grooming tactics, recognizing the signs of human trafficking, differentiating healthy vs. toxic relationships, consent, boundaries, self-advocacy, and how it all relates to human trafficking.
Workshops and Training Sessions: Facilitated by ACT Alberta featuring real-life case studies and interactive scenarios to enhance engagement and relatability.
Multimedia Resources: A suite of videos, guides, and digital content to reinforce learning and encourage family and community conversations.
Reporting and Support Channels: Ensuring students know how to access helplines, trusted organizations, and resources for reporting concerns safely and confidentially.
