Human trafficking and online exploitation are growing problems in Montana. The Montana Department of Justice recently rolled out a new curriculum to combat these issues through education and awareness.
Smartphone use is becoming more prevalent among kids. Nonprofit research organization Common Sense Media says 43 percent of kids ages 8-12 have smartphones, that number jumps to 88 percent to 95 percent in kids ages 13-18. According to law enforcement officials, increasing access to smartphones among kids increases the possible victim pool for predators
“Right now, there’s likely kids being exploited in Helena as we speak,” Helena Police Department Detective Sgt. Adam Shanks said.