Exploitation

Exploitation is a form of abuse that happens when a child or young person is manipulated, groomed, pressured or controlled for someone else's benefit. It can happen online, in the community, through friendships, relationships or criminal groups. Exploitation can affect any child, regardless of their age, background or circumstances, and children may not always realise they are being harmed. Exploitation is never the child or young person's fault.

What Does Exploitation Look Like?

Exploitation can take many forms, including:

• Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)
• Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
• County Lines activity
• Online grooming
• Modern slavery and trafficking
• Exploitation linked to gangs or organised crime

Those causing harm often build trust before using manipulation, threats, intimidation, violence or coercion to gain control.

Signs a Child May Be Being Exploited

You may notice a child or young person:

• Going missing from home, school or care
• Spending time with older individuals or unfamiliar groups
• Receiving unexplained gifts, money or mobile phones
• Becoming secretive about where they go or who they meet
• Being withdrawn, anxious or frightened
• Having unexplained injuries
• Using multiple phones or social media accounts
• Showing sudden changes in behaviour, friendships or appearance
• Experiencing difficulties at school or college

These signs do not always mean a child is being exploited, but they may indicate that support is needed.

Online Exploitation and Grooming

Many forms of exploitation begin online. Those seeking to harm children may use social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms or live-streaming sites to build trust and manipulate young people.

Talk regularly with your child about:

• Staying safe online
• Privacy settings and sharing personal information
• Online friendships and relationships
• Gaming and chat platforms
• What to do if something makes them feel uncomfortable

Open conversations and trusted relationships can help children seek support if they are worried.

How Parents and Carers Can Help

• Stay interested in your child's online and offline activities.
• Encourage open and honest conversations.
• Know who your child spends time with.
• Trust your instincts if something doesn't feel right.
• Seek advice early if you have concerns.
• Remember that exploitation is abuse and never the child's fault.

Helpful Resources

Ivison Trust

Specialist support, information and advice for parents and carers concerned about exploitation.

Ivison Trust

NSPCC

Advice on child exploitation, grooming, online safety and protecting children.

NSPCC

CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)

Report online child sexual abuse, grooming and exploitation.

CEOP

The Children's Society

Information about child exploitation, county lines and supporting vulnerable young people.

The Children's Society

Internet Matters

Practical online safety advice, guides and parental controls.

Internet Matters

Childline

Confidential advice and support for children and young people.

Childline

Worried About a Child?

If you think a child or young person may be experiencing exploitation, do not ignore your concerns.

Speak to your local Children's Services team, seek advice from a safeguarding professional, or contact the police if there is an immediate risk of harm.

Remember: Exploitation is abuse. Children and young people cannot consent to being exploited, and support is available for both children and their families.