End Trafficking Alliance

How to Recognize If a Child May Be Trafficked

Signs, What to Do, and Resources

Human trafficking of children is often hidden behind coercion, manipulation, and strict control. No single sign proves trafficking; look for clusters of indicators and act quickly if several appear.

Key Indicators

Physical / Appearance

  • Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns, or untreated medical problems【1】
  • Signs of neglect: malnutrition, poor hygiene, extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation【1】
  • Tattoos, branding, or markings the child cannot explain【2】

Control & Documentation

  • Another person controls the child’s ID, passport, phone, or money【2】
  • Child lacks personal ID or has falsified age documents【3】
  • Child cannot speak for themselves or is prevented from accessing belongings【3】

Behavior & Speech

  • Excessive fear, anxiety, hyper‑vigilance, submission, or emotional detachment【1】
  • Rehearsed or coached answers; an adult speaks for the child【2】
  • Sudden withdrawal, mood swings, decline in school performance, or strained relationships【4】

Living, Work, & Movement Patterns

  • Frequent school absences, chronic running away, or homelessness【3】
  • Living where they work or being confined to a specific location【4】
  • Long‑distance travel with unrelated adults or minors traveling without a legal guardian【5】

Economic & Material Signs

  • Unexplained cash, prepaid cards, hotel keys, multiple phones/SIMs, or expensive gifts the child cannot account for【2】
  • Working excessive hours, receiving little or no pay, or owing debt to employers/recruiters【5】

Exploitation‑Specific Signs

  • Any child involved in commercial sex is a trafficking victim (under 18)【1】
  • Forced or coerced participation in criminal activity or hazardous labor【4】
  • Recruitment via false job offers or “relationships” where an older person provides money or gifts in exchange for control【5】

Social & Relational Indicators

  • Isolation from family, friends, school, or services; constant accompaniment by a controlling adult【3】
  • Caregiver monitors communications, controls movement, or insists on speaking for the child【2】
  • Sudden appearance of an older romantic partner who provides gifts or money【5】

Knowledge Gaps & Disorientation

  • Child appears unaware of where they live, who their employer is, or what their travel plans are【4】
  • Disoriented, disconnected, or unable to answer basic questions about their situation【1】

Health & Safety Red Flags (Healthcare Settings)

  • Recurrent sexually transmitted infections, signs of sexual violence, or other sexual/reproductive health issues【1】
  • Work‑related injuries without appropriate treatment or lack of safety equipment【5】

What to Do If You Suspect Trafficking

  1. Immediate danger: Call emergency services (e.g., 911 US, 999 UK).
  2. US:
  • National Human Trafficking Hotline – 1‑888‑373‑7888 or text 233733.
  • Child sex‑trafficking: NCMEC – 1‑800‑THE‑LOST (1‑800‑843‑5678) or the CyberTipline.
  1. UK:
  • Emergency: 999.
  • Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline – 08000 121 700.
  • NSPCC (children) – 0808 800 5000.
  1. Non‑emergency: Contact your national trafficking hotline, local child‑protection services, or a specialist NGO for confidential advice.
  2. Do not post unverified photos or personal details online; let professionals handle the investigation to protect the child’s safety and privacy.

Quick Printable Checklist (for teachers, healthcare workers, transport staff, and frontline responders)

  • [ ] Unexplained injuries or signs of neglect
  • [ ] Child appears fearful, withdrawn, or overly submissive
  • [ ] Another adult controls the child’s documents, phone, or money
  • [ ] Child cannot speak for themselves or gives rehearsed answers
  • [ ] Frequent absences, homelessness, or sudden travel with unrelated adults
  • [ ] Evidence of forced labor, unpaid work, or debt bondage
  • [ ] Any indication of commercial sexual exploitation (any minor in commercial sex)
  • [ ] Multiple phones/SIMs, unexplained cash, hotel keys, or gifts
  • [ ] Caregiver is controlling, refuses privacy, or insists on speaking for the child
  • [ ] Child is disoriented about location, employer, or living situation

Sources and Further Reading

  1. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). Child Sex Trafficking Indicators. https://www.ncmec.org/
  2. Polaris / National Human Trafficking Hotline. Recognizing Human Trafficking. https://humantraffickinghotline.org/recognizing-trafficking
  3. UNICEF. Guidance on Identifying and Protecting Trafficked Children. https://www.unicef.org/protection/trafficking
  4. U.S. Department of Transportation. Indicators of Human Trafficking in Transportation Settings. https://www.transportation.gov/human-trafficking
  5. FBI. Law Enforcement Guidance on Human Trafficking Indicators and Response. https://www.fbi.gov/human-trafficking