We’re supporting National Child Exploitation Awareness Day

Today is National Child Exploitation Awareness Day and we’re proud to support the initiative not just today, but every day, through the work we do to tackle child exploitation.

This year’s campaign encourages everyone to think, spot, and speak out against abuse and adopt a zero tolerance to child exploitation.

To support this, we’ve set up a series of online information sessions for parents, run by specially trained staff, to help them understand child exploitation, how to spot the signs and what to do if they think their child may be a victim.

We also want to use today as an opportunity to go back to basics and explain what child exploitation is, how to spot the signs and what to do if you are worried about a child. It’s a term that’s often used but isn’t often fully understood by parents and carers.

What is child exploitation?

Child exploitation is when someone uses a child for financial gain, sexual gratification, labour or personal advantage.

Exploitation often starts with perpetrators ‘grooming’ a child or young person by buying them expensive gifts, such as new clothes and mobile phones.

They will make the child or young person think they are friends and valued before forcing them to take part in criminal or sexual activities.

The perpetrators behaviour then changes and they will often routinely use cruelty, threats and violence to force a child to take part in criminal or sexual activities.

What are the most common ways that children are exploited?

Common types of exploitation include children being sexually exploited or forced to deal drugs as part of county lines gangs. They are forced into sexual or criminal activity in return for gifts, money, drugs or affection.

This just a snapshot of the most common types though, and there are unfortunately many others. An easy to understand guide to the various different types of exploitation can be found here.

What are the signs that a child is being exploited?

The initial signs can be subtle and usually revolve around a change in the child’s behaviour, friendship group and them suddenly acquiring new things.

Warning signs can be if your child:

• Suddenly has money, new clothes, new mobile phones, etc. without a plausible explanation.
•  A change in friendship group, with new friends being controlling or significantly older.
•  Changes in behaviour, such as skipping school, going missing or returning home late.
•  Suddenly receiving excessive numbers of messages or phone calls.
• Displaying increasing secretiveness around behaviours.
• Has unexplained physical injuries.
•  Returns home under the influence of drugs/alcohol.

This list isn’t exhaustive, but offers useful signs for parents and carers to look out for. 

Doesn’t it only affect vulnerable children and young people?

No, any child can become a victim of child exploitation so it’s really important that all adults are aware of the signs.

While vulnerable children are often seen as an easy target, our experience shows that victims come from all walks of life and can often have what’s traditionally seen as a stable home life.

 

What should I do if I’m concerned about a child?

If you’re worried that your (or any) child is a victim of child exploitation, talk to someone about it.

If your child is in immediate danger, call the police by dialling 999. You should also contact the police if you don’t know where your child is and you’re concerned they are being exploited.

If they’re not in immediate danger there are several options you can consider depending on the circumstances.

• You can report your concerns to police via the Child Exploitation and Online Protection website, which also lots of information which you might find useful - CEOP Safety Centre
• You could contact the child’s school and tell them everything that makes you worried. They’ll have designated safeguarding staff who can help.
• You can also speak to your local children’s services. The process is slightly different depending on where you live, but the information should be available on your local council’s website.
  
  

How do I sign up to the online information sessions?

You book the information sessions on our website here. They’re a great opportunity to find out more about child exploitation, with different sessions depending on whether you’re a parent/carer or a professional. You’ll get lots of useful information and a chance to ask any questions directly to a police officer at the end.

Where can I find out more about child exploitation?

There are lots of really useful websites where you can learn more about child exploitation, including the ones below:

Child criminal exploitation | Child abuse | West Mercia Police

Child sexual exploitation | West Mercia Police

Understanding crime types: information and resources | Crimestoppers

Understand child exploitation and how to protect your child

CEOP Safety Centre