On Monday, Academy held a convocation with The No More Foundation, bringing awareness to human trafficking and teaching academy girls, staff, and others the importance of educating yourself on how to stay safe and how you can bring awareness to save lives.
Human trafficking is the illegal trade of humans for forced labor, and other forms of modern slavery. Over 1.5 million people in the United States, and 27.6 million people globally are victims of trafficking, many of whom are targeted as young as 12 years old.
While some victims may show visible signs of distress, others do not. Hidden vulnerabilities—such as substance abuse, unstable housing, and experiences with bullying—can make individuals more susceptible. Traffickers exploit these weaknesses, trapping victims in dangerous situations.
The rise of social media has made trafficking even more prevalent. Online platforms allowed traffickers to manipulate young teens by posing as fellow teenagers or romantic interests. Many young people are unaware of the risks, making them easy targets.
Recognizing the signs and spreading awareness are key to prevention. Schools, families, and communities must work together to educate individuals on safety.
The U.S. Department of State suggests using your social media platforms to help raise awareness about human trafficking by utilizing hashtags like #endtrafficking and #freedomfirst.
Human trafficking happens everywhere, from big cities to small towns so it is important to deviate from the mindset of “it won’t happen to me”. It is crucial to be aware of your surroundings specifically when out in public places such as malls, concerts, or the beach. By increasing awareness and taking action, we can help protect vulnerable individuals and work toward ending this crisis.
“When I am going to the mall I make sure to never go alone, I am always with my friends and I am aware of what is going on around me,” said Rosemary Garon (‘26).
Florida is the third state in the U.S. with over 2,289 cases of human trafficking documented in 2021. However, that number is only the cases that are found, as many more victims go unreported due to fear or manipulation.
“I use pepper spray to keep on me as protection, and stay super aware of posting on social media,” said Madison Sobel (‘26).
Organizations and law enforcement agencies continue to combat this crisis by improving victim support services, increasing penalties for traffickers, and working with local communities to enhance detection and prevention efforts.
If you suspect human trafficking, report it immediately to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733.
By staying informed, we can all contribute to a safer society and support those affected by this modern-day form of slavery.
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