Child exploitation

Child exploitation happens when there is an imbalance of power and a child or young person is encouraged, pressured, trapped or forced to carry out acts for someone else’s benefit. This may involve an individual, a group of people, organised criminal groups or gangs.

Children and young people may receive something in return, such as alcohol, cigarettes, gifts, money, drugs or affection.

They can be exploited by adults or by other children and young people. This is sometimes called peer‑on‑peer exploitation.

Exploitation often happens through a gradual and subtle process known as grooming. This is when someone builds trust, a relationship and emotional connection with a child or young person so they can manipulate, exploit and abuse them. Grooming can make the activity appear consensual to the victim.

Exploitation can happen to anyone.

Changes in a child’s behaviour can be a normal part of growing up. But sometimes, changes can be a sign that something is wrong. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.

Warning signs of exploitation

A child may be at risk of exploitation if you notice:

• skipping school
• staying out late or overnight
• unexplained gifts or new possessions
• drug or alcohol misuse
• secretive behaviour
• inappropriate or sexualised behaviour
• friendships or relationships with older adults
• significant changes in mood, behaviour or appearance
• becoming withdrawn, isolated or showing poor mental health or self-harm
• spending a lot of time on social media talking to people they have not met
• unexplained injuries
• having a second mobile phone or receiving a high volume of calls or messages

You can find more information about different types of exploitation on the NWG Network website: What is Child Exploitation?

Report a concern

If you are a parent, carer or member of the public and you are worried that a child is being exploited, contact Cumberland Children’s Advice.

Telephone: 0333 240 1727

The team supports children and young people who may be vulnerable to grooming or exploitation and helps them build safe, positive connections.

What we do

Our Youth Connect Workers:

• offer direct support to children who are vulnerable to, or at risk of, exploitation
• support families, siblings (when affected), carers and the wider professional network
• carry out return‑home chats with children who have been reported missing
• work with health services, education providers, care homes and community settings such as youth zones or cadets to raise awareness and reduce harm

Contacting the Youth Connect Team

For further information, you can email us.

Email: cerar@cumbria.gov.uk