Revisiting the factors affecting child trafficking: an empirical study based on the origin areas

Abstract In China, child trafficking remains a critical public safety issue that undermines family harmony and social stability. However, the various factors contributing to child trafficking at the origin have not been thoroughly investigated due to data scarcity. To address this gap, this study utilized a database from a public welfare website dedicated to missing persons to collect 9016 child trafficking cases recorded between 1949 and 2022 in Southwest China. We then employed the Local Moran’s I spatial statistic to identify spatial clusters of child trafficking. The stepwise regression model was employed to examine the association between socioeconomic, demographic, and policy factors and child trafficking in the origin areas. The results indicated that prior to 1985, child trafficking exhibited spatial clustering in the adjacent regions of Sichuan and Chongqing. Subsequently, an intense spatial clustering emerged in the adjacent regions of Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Chongqing. Large income disparities and high unemployment rates were the direct factors contributing to child trafficking. This issue was exacerbated by low education levels. Families with more children faced a higher risk of child trafficking due to lower levels of guardianship. Diverse festivals created more opportunities for child trafficking to take place. Additionally, the impact of the one-child policy on child trafficking was prominent during a specific period. Therefore, authorities should comprehensively consider these factors to formulate strategies and reduce child trafficking.