Child Sexual Exploitation
Child exploitation is where children and young people are encouraged, trapped, forced or persuaded to carry out acts for the benefit of a person or a group of people (this can be organised criminal groups or gangs).
It usually involves the child/young person receiving something in return such as alcohol, cigarettes, gifts, money, drugs and affection.
Children and young people can be exploited by adults; but can be exploited by other children/young people too. This is known as 'Peer on Peer Abuse.'
Often when children become exploited they and those around them may not realise it as it happens via a process called ‘grooming’. This is where someone builds a relationship, trust and emotional connection with a child or young person so that they can manipulate, exploit and abuse them.
It is important to remember that exploitation can happen to anyone.
Changes in a child’s behaviour can be a normal part child and adolescent development.
However, there are some circumstances where changes in behaviour are an indication that something is wrong. In these situations, you should trust your instinct – if things don’t feel right, they probably are not.
A list of warning signs that a child may be being exploite
- Skipping school
- Staying out late or overnight
- Unexplained gifts/new possessions
- Drugs and alcohol misuse
- Secretive behaviour
- Inappropriate or sexualised behaviour
- Friendship or relationships with older adults
- Significant changes in mood or behaviour changes in appearance (clothes, hygiene, etc).
- Becoming withdrawn or isolated, poor mental health/self-harm etc.
- Lots of time spent on social media talking to ‘friends’ they haven’t met or that you don’t know.
- Unexplained injuries
- They own a second mobile phone from which they are receiving a high volume of calls or need to leave urgently after receiving a text/call
Circumstances which may make a child or young person vulnerable to being exploited.
- Regularly going missing from home
- Connected to other vulnerable young people known to be exploited and/or involved in gangs.
- Have a learning difficulty or a Special Educational Need
- Misusing drugs and alcohol
- Poor mental health
- Experience of abuse at home including witnessing violence
- Concerns about being involved in crime/anti-social behaviour
If a child is experiencing this, it does not mean that they will be exploited. However, it is important to stay aware of the possible warning signs, maintain positive communication with your child on how to keep safe and stay curious about what they do and who they spend time with.
Exploitation usually involves the child/young person receiving something in return such as alcohol, cigarettes, gifts, money, drugs an/or affection.
Children and young people can be exploited by adults; but can be exploited by other children/young people too - this is known as Peer on Peer Abuse.
Often when children become exploited they and those around them may not realise it as it happens via a process called ‘grooming’. This is where someone builds a relationship, trust and emotional connection with a child or young person so they can manipulate, exploit and abuse them.
Changes in your child’s behaviour can be a normal part of the process of child and adolescent development. However, there are some circumstances where changes in behaviour are an indication that something is wrong. In these situations, you should Trust Your Instinct – if things don’t feel right, they probably are not.
Get help if you think your children is experiencing exploitation
Child exploitation
Contents
- Child exploitation
- A list of warning signs that a child may be being exploited
- You are here:Get help if you think your children is experiencing exploitation
Get help if you think your children is experiencing exploitation
If you are concerned that your child or a child that you know is experiencing exploitation, professionals are available to help, please report your concerns:
Newham Children’s Social Care: 020 3373 4600
Information and advice on keeping your child safe
- NSPCC provides advice and handy tips on ways to keep children safe:
- www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children- safe
- NSPCC also have some great tips on having conversations with your child https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/talking-about-difficult-topics/
Online Safety
Simple, bitesize info and advice on the latest apps, games and social media sites
A hub of advice, essential tips and information about parenting in the digital world
CEOP works to keep children safe from sexual abuse and grooming online.
If you are worried about the way someone has been communicating with your child online you can make a report via the website.
www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre
Information and resources on keeping safe online for children and young people and parents.
Support for children and young people
Childline provides information, advice and a listening ear both over the phone or online for children and young people
Tel: 0800 1111 or visit
You&Co (Victim Support): support for children and young people who have experienced crime. Support also available for parents
Tel: 0808 16 89 111 or visit
www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and- support
Getting help anonymously
Sometimes children and young people feel more comfortable about getting help without sharing their identity.
Fearless.org: If a child wishes to report exploitation anonymously they can do so via the Fearless.org website. Fearless also provides non-judgmental information and advice about crime and criminality
www.fearless.org/anonymous (if a child is in immediate danger the police should be contacted on 999).
Kooth: If your child would like to access anonymous emotional support/ counselling: www.kooth.com
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