5,000 Minnesota Teens Have Used Sex As Form Of Payment: Study

MINNESOTA — Minnesota’s first estimate of youth sexual exploitation indicates that at least 5,000 high school-age youth in the state have traded sex in order to receive money, food, drugs, alcohol, a place to stay or something else of value.

The data shows the exploitation of high school students is happening in communities all across Minnesota. Boys and girls are almost evenly impacted.

In hopes of gaining a better understanding of prevalence of sexual exploitation among Minnesota youth, the Minnesota Department of Health added a new question to the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey and partnered with researchers from the University of Minnesota School of Nursing to analyze the data.

University of Minnesota researchers arrived at the 5,000-youth estimate based on the state’s youth population combined with results from the question asking 9th and 11th graders whether they had traded sex for something of value.

In the 2019 survey, 1.4 percent of students responded "yes" to the question.

"This alarming study shows there are many young people all across the state who need protection from sexual exploitation," said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm in a news release.

"We must do more to connect with youth through our Safe Harbor program, educational programs and other efforts providing them with financial security and safe homes."

Some groups of young people were more likely to be affected by trading sex and sexual exploitation, according to the survey. For example, youth in juvenile correctional facilities, foster care and unstable housing all reported higher levels of sexual exploitation. Youth of all gender identities and races reported sexual exploitation.

"If we can identify these young people in school who are at risk of trading sex, caring adults such as school nurses, social workers and teachers can intervene and help with services and support so that they can get out of that risky situation," said Barbara McMorris, associate professor at the University of Minnesota.