Buckeye Reporter

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost welcomed the 2025-26 Teen Ambassador Board by inviting its members to observe a press conference that announced the results of Operation Next Door, a statewide human trafficking crackdown.

The board consists of high school juniors and seniors from across Ohio. During their visit, students were able to see how a press conference is conducted in the Attorney General’s office and had the chance to ask questions directly to AG Yost and law enforcement officials involved in the operation.

Students raised questions about early warning signs of human trafficking, the impact of social media on victimization, and what happens after such operations. Officials provided guidance for recognizing and responding to potential trafficking situations. They advised students: trust your instincts when something feels wrong and report concerns to the Human Trafficking Hotline at 844-363-6448; avoid trusting strangers online or sharing intimate photos; and understand that law enforcement efforts will continue as long as there is demand for purchased sex, with tactics adapting over time.

“Teenagers are often dismissed as bystanders, but this year’s group showed that they’re anything but,” Yost said. “They asked tough questions, including some that adults might be reluctant to ask. Ohio’s future is in good hands.”

Throughout their one-year term, Teen Ambassador Board members will provide input on issues affecting young people in Ohio and participate in interactive learning sessions, policy discussions, and hands-on activities. The board includes 182 students from different parts of the state. A full list of board members is available online.