Tomball-Area Workshop Aims to Equip Families Against Human Trafficking and Online Exploitation
As the digital world continues to evolve, so do the threats facing children and teens online. From social media and messaging apps to multiplayer gaming platforms, online predators have more access points than ever to manipulate and exploit vulnerable youth. In response, Harris County Precinct 3 is hosting a free workshop designed to help families in the Tomball and Huffman area recognize warning signs of human trafficking and internet exploitation—before it’s too late.
The Human Trafficking, Social Media, and Internet Safety Workshop will be held on July 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the May Community Center, located at 2100 Wolf Rd, Huffman, TX 77336. The event is presented by Project Protect Our Children, a Houston nonprofit founded by Denise M. Mears, a leading advocate for prevention-based education in the fight against child trafficking. The workshop is free and open to the public—no registration required.
"Technology has become a tool for traffickers to access and manipulate our children in ways many families don’t even realize," said Mears. "We can’t stop what we don’t understand. That’s why preventative education is so critical."
According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, more than 18,400 cases of possible child sex trafficking were reported in 2023. In addition, 1 in 6 missing children were likely victims of trafficking. With 95% of teens and 40% of kids ages 8 to 12 actively using social media, online platforms have become key spaces for grooming and recruitment.
"Technology is now one of the primary tools traffickers use to target children. We must empower communities with the tools to fight back," Mears emphasized. "We’re seeing predators reach children through gaming platforms, social media apps, and even educational websites."
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The event is part of PPOC’s Youth Prevention initiative, a program that equips parents, guardians, and educators with real-world strategies to identify potential trafficking situations and foster online safety. The presentation will cover red flags such as behavioral changes, excessive secrecy, tattoos or branding, and unexplained absences from school.
“Prevention is our best defense,” said Mears. “When a child knows the signs and feels confident to speak up, we interrupt the cycle before it starts.”
Data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline shows that more than 65% of victims are recruited online, often by someone they know or trust. In 2023, Harris County accounted for 27% of all missing child cases in Texas, with 7,471 reports—a stark reminder of how close to home the risk truly is.
“Every family in Tomball and Huffman deserves to know how traffickers operate and what to look for,” said Mears. “We can’t wait until the unthinkable happens—we must get ahead of it.”
For those who suspect a case of human trafficking, the National Human Trafficking Hotline offers 24/7 confidential support at 1-888-373-7888 or by texting “HELP” to 233733.
“These conversations may feel uncomfortable, but creating an informed community is how we protect our kids,” Mears added. “When everyone is watching, predators lose power.”
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.