In many parts of Southeast and South Asia, extreme poverty remains the primary driver of teen exploitation. Families struggling to survive may unknowingly push children into dangerous situations, or teens may seek out "online work" to support their households.

Keep surviving. Memorize one safe adult — a teacher, a neighbor, a shopkeeper. Look for red flags that feel wrong. And when you’re ready, we’ll be here. No judgment. No pressure. Just help.

Survivors of exploitation often face stigma, yet their resilience is powerful. For example, a teen from Laos rescued from a labor camp shared, “They sold us for drugs and forced us to work 20 hours a day. But after escaping, I want to study so I can help others.” Stories like these underscore the importance of holistic support—medical care, psychological trauma therapy, and education.

Combating the exploitation of teens and the repack phenomenon requires a multi-faceted approach: