"TRAPPED" VR Training Tackles Human Trafficking

In my ongoing mission to keep children safe in the digital age, we often focus on online threats like phishing, malware, and social media scams. But today, I want to highlight a powerful tool that's tackling a much darker and often hidden crime: human trafficking.

I've recently come across "TRAPPED: A VR Detective Story" a virtual reality training program that's making waves in human trafficking prevention. And I believe it's something worth sharing with you all.

This is an initiative created by & and they explain their reasons much better than I ever could in this news article about their story.

I don't have an Oculus Quest so this is not something I have tried first-hand, although I have watched the videos that are available and read the testimonials.

I also have not received anything to write about this as I genuinely feel they are doing this for all the right reasons and it is something that links in with my passion to educate parents, teachers and children about staying safe online.

Here's why I'm excited about it:

• Immersive Learning:

  • "TRAPPED" uses the power of VR to place you directly into a scenario, allowing you to experience the complexities of human trafficking firsthand. This immersive approach can be far more impactful than traditional training methods.

  • By putting you in the virtual shoes of a detective, it encourages critical thinking and helps you recognise the subtle signs of exploitation.

• Real-World Impact:

  • The program has garnered positive feedback from subject matter experts, which speaks volumes about its effectiveness. It's not just a game; it's a valuable training tool.

  • Radical Empathy, the creators of the program, have partnered with ArborXR to make the program more accessible on Oculus Quest. This means that more people can now access this vital training.

• Cyber Safety Connection:

  • Human trafficking often has a significant online component. Predators use social media, online forums, and other digital platforms to recruit and exploit victims. Therefore, understanding the tactics used by traffickers is crucial for online safety.

  • By increasing awareness and education, VR training like “TRAPPED” can help us to better recognise and combat these cyber-enabled crimes.

In today's interconnected world, awareness is our best defence. "TRAPPED" offers a unique and powerful way to learn about human trafficking and how to prevent it.

I encourage you to explore this innovative training program and consider how it can contribute to your own cyber safety knowledge.