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IOM Presented “The Magic Journey” — an Online Game That Teaches Children to Recognise Danger
On 30 July, World Day against Trafficking in Persons, the Protection Programme of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mission in Ukraine presented “The Magic Journey,” an educational online game for children. The Counter-Trafficking NGO Coalition was represented at the event by its Chair, Nataliia Kulikova.
Children are starting to use the internet at an increasingly early age, but due to their age and lack of experience, they are not always able to recognise manipulation, hidden threats, and dangerous offers.
According to the findings of the 2026 FCA study presented by IOM, 91% of children aged 8–10 use the internet every day, 75% access it mainly from their own phones, and 65% have received messages from strangers.
Attempts at manipulation, recruitment, or exploitation may be hidden behind a friendly online acquaintance, a request for help, or an attractive offer. Therefore, it is important not only to warn children about possible dangers, but also to teach them to assess situations, protect their personal boundaries, refuse risky offers, and seek help in time.
During the presentation, representatives of government institutions, law enforcement agencies, the education sector, and civil society organisations discussed current risks of child exploitation, factors that increase children's vulnerability, and ways the game can be used by parents, educators, and professionals who work with children.
“The Magic Journey” is designed for children aged 7–10. Through an adventure storyline and interactive tasks, it helps address difficult topics in language children can understand — without frightening or overwhelming them.
Counter-Trafficking NGO CoalitionPress Service
While completing the missions, the child makes decisions independently, sees their consequences, and learns to:
- communicate cautiously with strangers;
- not agree to carry packages or belongings for others;
- recognise suspicious offers of quick earnings;
- not share personal data with strangers or hand over documents;
- say “no” if a situation causes fear or discomfort;
- seek help from a trusted adult.
"By raising awareness, we give people tools that help them recognise danger in time"
Robert TurnerChief of Mission, IOM Ukraine
The game's main antagonist, Morok, embodies manipulation, hasty decisions, and dangerous offers. He is overcome not by physical strength, but by knowledge and thoughtful action. For every correct decision, the child gains a new “superpower”: vigilance, resourcefulness, courage, attentiveness, or the ability to seek support.
“The Magic Journey” not only builds safe behaviour skills, but also creates a foundation for further conversation between the child and parents or educators. Together, they can discuss personal boundaries, online safety, dangerous offers, and identify the people and services the child can turn to in a difficult situation.
Such prevention tools help children develop informed behaviour from an early age and explain the key point: they have the right to refuse an offer that raises doubts and can always ask for help.
Counter-Trafficking NGO CoalitionPress Service
You can play the online game “The Magic Journey” at: https://play.stoptrafficking.org
If you or someone you know has encountered a suspicious offer or a possible human trafficking situation, contact the National Hotline on Counter-Trafficking and Migrant Counselling:
527 — from a mobile phone;
0 800 107 527 — from a mobile or landline phone.
The hotline operates daily from 07:00 to 22:00. Calls are free and confidential.
Tags: counter-trafficking, IOM, NGO Coalition, child safety, “The Magic Journey”, online safety, prevention of exploitation, 527
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