HDSB providing families with resources to prevent sex trafficking

In accordance with provincial anti-sex trafficking policy, the Halton District School Board (HDSB) says it is providing families with information and resources to address and prevent sex trafficking in Halton.

In a media release, the board indicates the vast majority of sex trafficking victims are under age 24 and approximately 30 per cent are reported to fall between ages 13 and 18.

To address this, the Ontario Ministry of Education is requiring school boards to educate students and staff about sex trafficking and promote safety by taking meaningful, culturally responsive and consistent action to prevent and respond to issues of safety and inappropriate behaviours, according to the board.

“Action by schools, families and community partners together will help prevent, identify and recognize sex trafficking to act quickly to ensure appropriate interventions,” Jennifer Fowler, Superintendent of Education - Safe Schools said in the news release.

The HDSB’s Anti-Sex Trafficking webpage has resources and information about the important steps being taken by the board to recognize, prevent and respond to sex trafficking.

Families can find video resources that cover:

• anti-sex trafficking awareness for parents/guardians
• interview with a parent of a sex trafficking survivor
• student personal devices and online safety

The webpage also includes the Halton Anti-Sex Trafficking School Board Protocol, Administrative Procedure: Anti-Sex Trafficking and information about annual staff training and education in the HDSB.