Child exploitation

What is child exploitation

If you have immediate concerns about the safety of a child call 999.

Child Exploitation is a form of child abuse. It involves tricking, coercing or forcing a child to commit crimes for others or taking part in sexual activity. This abuse takes place away from the home and family environment.

Child Exploitation can happen to any child and takes place across the Country.

Whilst children can sometimes feel that they are making the ‘choice’ to take part in this behaviour, they cannot consent to their own exploitation.

Child Exploitation is often split into 2 different categories below. But, it is important to recognise that Child Exploitation can involve both types.

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) involves an individual or group taking advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child into committing a crime. This can include ‘County Drug Lines’ which would mean using a child in the movement or dealing of drugs. CCE can involve any criminal act. For example, taking part in a burglary for someone else, or allowing their bank/gaming account to launder money.

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a type of sexual abuse where children/young people are exploited, manipulated or forced into taking part in sexual activities. Often this can be in exchange for attention, affection, money, drugs, alcohol or gifts.

Gangs also use child sexual exploitation to exert power and control, to take on potential members or as a weapon.

With the internet and mobile phones, child sexual exploitation can happen anywhere. It's vital you know what to look out for and what to do next.

Both types of exploitation can take place in person (face-to-face) or online. Sometimes it can start online and move on to meeting your child in person.

Child exploitation

What is child exploitation

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

Related content