Child sexual exploitation

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a form of child sexual abuse.

It is when someone uses a child (anyone under 18 years) by giving them money, gifts, food, alcohol, accommodation, power and/or status in exchange for them engaging in sexual activities.

Children or young people may be tricked into believing they're in a loving, consensual relationship. They might be invited to parties and given drugs and alcohol. People who do this want young people to think they are a friend, or a boyfriend or girlfriend.

If you're worried this is happening to you:

Talk to an adult who you can trust. This may be a family member, youth worker, teacher, doctor, school nurse, social worker or police officer.

You can also let us know you need help or seek help from another organisation.

CSE can happen:

  • to boys and girls
  • to children from all communities
  • to children of any age, especially in the 11-18 age range, but it can also happen to younger children

The child is vulnerable. They may be asked to do something that makes them feel uncomfortable. It is not their fault. This is sexual exploitation and it is a crime.

Spotting signs of CSE

CSE can be very hard to spot.

It might be happening to a young person you know who is:

  • going missing for short periods of time or even days
  • having expensive things bought for them that are unexplained
  • staying out late and it's not clear where they are going
  • distancing themselves from family and friends
  • changing behaviour like becoming withdrawn or aggressive
  • behaving in a sexualised way such as touching people inappropriately
  • being picked up by people you don’t know
  • performing worse at school or college
  • starting or increasing alcohol or drug use

How adults can protect young people:

  • stay alert to the signs of CSE and don't ignore them
  • make sure you understand the risks associated with young people online and putting measures in place to minimise these risks
  • make sure children are aware of risks online and only talk to people they know
  • make sure you know who to contact if you have concerns
  • help young people become aware of CSE and how to share concerns if they are worried about their own or another young person’s situation

If you have a concern

In an emergency

Call 999 if a child is in immediate danger or involved in a serious crime.

You can report a concern about CSE to us:

Other support organisations

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