How Schools Can Combat Modern Day Slavery

Modern-day slavery is not just an ancient practice – it is a horrifying reality affecting millions of people today. According to the United Nations, as of 2022, 50 million people were living in modern slavery. Among them are countless children, many of whom are trafficked, exploited, and denied the safety and dignity that every child deserves.

The fact remains that schools are often at the heart of most children’s lives and thus can play a monumental role in identifying the signs of modern slavery. However, it is up to the school to educate staff with the right awareness and action, so that all staff and volunteers can help protect vulnerable children and give them a way out.

What is Modern-Day Slavery?

The Anti-Slavery International, defines modern slavery “as when an individual is exploited by others, for personal or commercial gain. Whether tricked, coerced, or forced, they lose their freedom. This includes but is not limited to human trafficking, forced labour and debt bondage.” In these situations the victim cannot refuse or escape exploitation due to threats, coercion, violence, or deception. It can take many forms, including forced labour, forced marriage, child trafficking.

Shockingly, 1 in 10 children worldwide – about 160 million – were in child labour at the start of 2020, according to UNICEF. Many of these children are victims of trafficking, forced into sexual exploitation, domestic servitude (cleaning, cooking, or childcare), labour in factories, agriculture, or nail salons, criminal activities, such as carrying drugs, theft, or working on illegal cannabis farms. This is not just a problem in distant countries, as modern slavery cuts across cultural, ethnic, and economic lines and exists in almost every corner of the world.

What Signs Can School Staff Look Out For?

Victims of modern slavery often cannot speak out about their situation. Instead, they may show subtle signs that tell you that something is not right. If you work in a school or an organisation that caters to children and young people, these are some indicators to watch for:

• Does the child seem to be controlled by someone else?
• Does the child seem to be constantly monitored?
• Are they reluctant to interact with teachers, peers, or other adults?
• Do they have very few belongings, or do they wear the same clothes every day?
• Is their clothing unsuitable for the weather or their environment?
• Do they appear unable to move freely or always seem to require permission?
• Are they unable to provide personal identification or unsure of their age or background?
• Do they seem withdrawn, frightened, or show signs of physical harm?
• Do they avoid eye contact or appear anxious around authority figures?
• Are they hesitant to talk to strangers, health professionals, or law enforcement?

How Can Schools Help?

As educators and school staff, you are in a unique position to identify these warning signs, and offer some form of support for the victims.

• Build a communication culture: Schools must make sure that their campuses are safe, supportive space where children feel valued and heard. Building trust and communication can make all the difference, as it would give room for children to speak up for themselves and their peers when something is wrong.
• Train Staff to Recognise the Signs: Staff training plays an integral role, as it helps staff identify indicators of modern slavery, including signs of abuse and neglect, and understand how to respond appropriately without bring harm to the affected child. Visit our training page here to see helpful safeguarding trainings that you can register yourself or your staff for
• Clear Reporting Policies and Procedures: Having clear procedures for reporting concerns about a child’s welfare is key. It helps to make sure staff and children know who to contact and how to escalate issues. See our FREE downloadable policy samples here.
• Work with Local Authorities: Collaborate with child protection services, local authorities, and organisations like NAPTIP, A-TIPSOM, and IOM Nigeria in Nigeria, provide support and protection for at-risk children.
• Raise Awareness Among Parents: Educate families and communities about modern slavery, child trafficking and its warning signs. Do this at P.T.A meetings, Parent Forums, Webinars and so on. Prevention starts with awareness. Contact Safeglia at info@safegliaconsult to book a session with your school parents.

In conclusion, modern slavery steals children’s futures and robs them of their freedom, and schools are one of the few places where the signs of exploitation may come to light. Therefore, we must be compassionate and proactive in our schools, so that we can help protect children from this form of harm or abuse.

If this blogpost caught your attention, then share it with everyone, and share your thoughts below too. Raising awareness is one step towards protecting a child and changing their life forever.