Child Exploitation

Child Exploitation is child abuse and a risk which often comes from outside a child's home.

There are different types and behaviours linked to a child being exploited. They include:

• Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE), including County Lines
• Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
• Harmful Sexual Behaviour
• Modern Slavery and Trafficking
• Going missing from home and care
• Online Exploitation

Any child can be exploited by an adult, and it is important to know how to spot the signs in children and to know where to go for help and support.

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

CSE is a type of sexual abuse. When a child is exploited, they’re given items such as gifts or drugs, money, status and affection, in exchange for performing sexual activities.

CSE happens in person and online. An abuser may gain a child’s trust or may look to control them through violence or blackmail before moving onto sexually abusing them. This can happen in a short period of time.

Sexual exploitation can be difficult to spot and sometimes mistaken from 'normal' teenage behaviour. Signs can include:

• Inappropriate or unhealthy sexual behaviour
• Being secretive
• Sudden changes in mood or character
• Becoming frightened of some people, places or situations
• Having money or things that can’t or won’t explain
• Physical signs of abuse like bruising or bleeding in their genital or anus area
• Pregnancy
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Alcohol or drug misuse
• Having an older boyfriend or girlfriend
• Staying out late or overnight
• Having a new group of friends
• Going missing from home or care
• Stopping going to college or school

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)

CCE is where another person or persons manipulate, deceive, coerce or control a child to undertake a criminal activity. This can happen through something called County Lines.

County Lines is a term for urban gangs exploiting children into moving drugs, normally from a large city, into other areas such as suburban areas and market and coastal towns, using dedicated mobile phone lines or "deal lines".

Children as young as 12 years old have been exploited into carrying drugs for gangs. This can involve children being trafficked away from their home area, staying in accommodation and selling and manufacturing drugs. This can include:

• the home of a vulnerable adult, that is taken over by a criminal gang, often referred to as cuckooing
• hotels
• short term private rental properties such as bed and breakfasts

Ivison Trust have produced guidance on slang terms associated with County Lines.

Spotting the Signs of Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)

A child won't always act or feel like a victim of CCE, often because they have been groomed to feel respected and important to criminals.

The most obvious sign is a change in a child's behaviour from what is considered as 'normal' for them.

Other signs can include:

• Removing themselves from their usual group of friends and mentioning older/new friends
• Having gifts, a new phone or money they can’t or won’t explain
• Becoming withdrawn and secretive
• Receiving many calls or messages to their phone
• Worried about being away from their phone
• Going missing from home or not showing up to school/college
• A change in behaviour/performance at school, possibly exclusion
• Become involved in low level criminality such as anti-social behaviour

Parents are often the first to notice that their child is being exploited. It is so important to act quickly and intervene early if you suspect your child is being exploited.

Supportive Links

NSPCC - The Underwear Rule

Simple conversations to keep your child safe from abuse.

NSPCC - PANTS

NSPCC Launches PANTS song and animation to help protect children from sexual abuse. Pantosaurus and his PANTS song is also available on YouTube.

Say Something

National service providing young people with a means of reporting CSE through a free, 24/7, anonymous helpline. This service will not replace existing local services or existing helpline or service provision but may generate additional information about exploitation in your area. ‘Say Something’ helpline - Call or Text 116000.

Ivison Trust - Keep them safe

Ivison Trust have launched an interactive online information package for parents on the signs of child sexual exploitation. This free tool is designed to equip parents with the information and knowledge to safeguard children from this abuse.

The Story of Jay

A short YouTube video on sexual abuse - relationships aren’t always what they seem, sexual exploitation and grooming can happen to anyone and it’s important you recognise the signs.

Know The Signs - Emma's Story

Filmed by West Yorkshire Police with pupils from Airedale Academy "Emma's Story" is part of the the West Yorkshire Police Child Sexual Exploitation 'Know the Signs' campaign. The film shows a victim's perspective of CSE and aims to highlight the signs to anyone who may be at risk.