Gaming & Trafficking Awareness

Gaming is supposed to be fun, safe, and social but traffickers and abusers can use games to:

• Build fake trust through gifts and compliments.
  • Someone might send you rare items, game currency, or say really nice things to make you feel special, but they could have a hidden reason for doing it.
• Ask for personal info or photos.
  • They might ask where you live, what school you go to, or even request a picture, which can be used to learn more about you or pressure you later.
• Pressure you emotionally.
  • They may say things like “You’re the only one I can talk to” or “I’ll be so upset if you don’t respond” to make you feel guilty or responsible for their feelings.
• Use threats or guilt to control you.
  • If someone says they’ll share something private about you unless you do what they say, that’s a form of manipulationWhen someone tries to control your actions or feelings through guilt, fear, flattery, or pressure, often without you realizing it. and it’s never okay.

Here are some things to think about:

Remember these safety tips:

• Don’t share personal info with people you meet online.
• Trust your gut! If something feels weird, it probably is.
• Set clear boundaries and speak up when they’re pushed.
• Block and report suspicious behavior.
• Talk to a trusted adultA parent, teacher, counselor, or other grown-up you can go to when something online (or offline) feels uncomfortable or unsafe. if you feel uncomfortable or scared.
• Remember that you are never responsible for someone else’s harmful choices.

You deserve to be safe in games and in life!