Child Exploitation
Information for Parents and Carers
At our school, safeguarding children is our highest priority. We are committed to helping pupils understand the risks of exploitation and ensuring that families know where to access support and advice.
What is Child Exploitation?
Child exploitation occurs when an individual or group takes advantage of a child or young person for their own benefit. Exploitation can happen to any child, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, background, or family circumstances.
It can take many forms, including:
- Criminal exploitation
- Sexual exploitation
- Online exploitation
- Financial exploitation
- County lines activity
- Grooming through social media, gaming platforms, or messaging apps
Children may be manipulated, coerced, threatened, or offered gifts, money, affection, status, or friendship in exchange for participating in harmful activities.
Warning Signs
While not all children will display the same indicators, possible signs of exploitation may include:
- Becoming secretive about friends or online activity
- Unexplained gifts, money, or possessions
- Changes in behaviour, mood, or attendance
- Going missing from home or school
- Increased use of multiple mobile phones or social media accounts
- Association with older individuals or unfamiliar friendship groups
- Signs of anxiety, fear, self-harm, or emotional distress
- Sudden decline in academic performance
If You Are Concerned
If you are worried that a child may be at risk of exploitation, please contact the school immediately. Our safeguarding team will listen to your concerns and work with appropriate agencies to support children and families.