Florida’s moving towards Human Trafficking Education
Excerpt: Children in Florida public schools would be taught about the dangers and warning signs of human trafficking under a bill moving in the state House.
A House Education subcommittee voted unanimously Tuesday for the bill sponsored by Democratic Rep. Patricia Williams of Fort Lauderdale. The measure would include human trafficking in the health classes currently taught in Florida public schools.
The curriculum would focus on how to recognize and understand human trafficking, as well as child abuse.
Twenty-two Florida school districts already include human trafficking information in their health classes.
Bottom Line: If you’ve followed my reporting on the Robert Kraft case, you’re well aware of my passion for this topic. There are 22 Americans lost daily due to human trafficking. There are 44 foreigners trafficked into the US per day. It’s a horrible and under discussed problem. Sadly, we have a news media that rife with institutionalized racism. If you have a blond-haired, blue eyed girl who goes missing – you hear about it. Otherwise it isn’t generally even a consideration by most news media. The reason you so seldom hear about the missing victims – is that overwhelmingly they’re minorities for urban communities. With all of that said, educating kids in school of the risks, threat and reality of the human trafficking crisis in school is smart and potentially will help save lives.
Children need to know the tactics used to attempt to lure victims into their circles...such as providing them “friendship” and gifts like phones and clothes. People who might be inclined to “purchase” sexual services need to know that often those they’re buying from are victims of trafficking and not willing participants. It’s an unfortunate reality of the world we will live but it is reality. I hope this will pass.