What are the signs of child exploitation?
There are a number of indicators to look out for, which are listed below. Child exploitation is very dynamic, with the signs and indicators changing quickly. Sometimes it can be difficult to know if a child is just being a typical teenager, or whether there's something more going on for them. If there are a number of indicators present for a child, then seeking help and advice needs to be considered.
Some signs that your child might be being exploited include:
- Persistently going missing from school or home and/or being found out-of-area
- Unexplained acquisition of money, clothes, jewellery, or mobile phones
- Excessive receipt of texts or phone calls
- Spending more time online or on their devices
- Using more than one phone
- Suddenly acquiring expensive gifts such as mobile phones, jewellery
- Being secretive about who they're talking to and where they're going
- Relationships with controlling older individuals or groups
- Coming home looking dishevelled
- Suspicion of physical assault or unexplained injuries
- Carrying weapons
- Starting or increasing vaping, drug use or alcohol use
- Loss of interest in school and significant decline in performance
- Using sexual, gang, drug-related or violent language you wouldn’t expect them to know
- Sudden changes in lifestyle
- Increasingly disruptive or violent behaviour
- Getting into trouble with the police
For further information regarding signs, symptoms, and to understand the wider risks and concerns, the NSPCC Learning website is a useful resource.