Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or a group of individuals takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity. 

This can be:

  • in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or
  • for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator

It is important to remember that CSE can happen in person or online. CSE can involve anyone as a perpetrator, regardless of age, gender, or background. Exploitation may be opportunistic or organized, and can occur over a single incident or repeatedly over time. Children may be exploited for money, drugs, gifts, affection, or status, and the abuse can be both physical and psychological. Understanding these types is crucial for safeguarding children, recognizing signs of abuse, and providing appropriate support and intervention.

You can find more information about Online Safety here

What signs should I look out for?

Children involved in CSE may:

  • appear with unexplained gifts, money or new possessions.
  • suffer from changes in emotional well-being.
  • go missing for periods of time or regularly come home late.
  • have hotel cards or keys to unknown places.
  • have unexplained absences from school.
  • have a second phone or hide their activity on their phone.
  • significantly change their clothing style or appearance
  • display increasingly disruptive or aggressive behaviour.

What should I do?

  • Members of staff will report this as a child protection issue to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. 
  • Parents/carers can also raise this with our Safeguarding Team [link to webpage] and we will be able to offer advice, support or refer to the appropriate specialists.
  • You should also raise CSE concerns to the Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers Independent UK charity who take crime information anonymously on Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers

If you are concerned a child is in immediate danger you should phone 999

Further information

Parents Protect – (Lucy Faithful Programme)  Parents Protect! Programme | Lucy Faithfull Foundation

Lucy Faithful – Anonymous Help and Support Lucy Faithfull Foundation - Preventing child sexual abuse

NSPCC – Grooming and Recognising the Signs Grooming: recognising the signs | NSPCC Learning

NSPCC – Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse | NSPCC