Child criminal exploitation
Child criminal exploitation is when someone uses a child (under 18 years old) to commit crimes for them.
It includes things like forcing a child to work on a cannabis farm, or targeting, grooming, coercing and exploiting a child to sell drugs in county lines operations.
Child criminal exploitation can involve bribery, intimidation, violence and/or threats. The child does not need to have met whoever is exploiting them - children can be exploited via the internet or using mobile phones.
They can also be targeted via social media platforms and gaming forums.
A child may have been exploited even if it looks as if they have been a willing participant. Many young people do not see themselves as victims.
Children can be exploited by individuals or groups, men or women, and adults or young people.
People who exploit children use the fact that they have power over children, because of an age difference or some other factor like gender, intelligence, strength, status or wealth.
Who is likely to be exploited
Any child can be a victim of child criminal exploitation, not just those who are known to social care or local authorities. But risk factors include:
- neglect or abuse
- not having a safe and stable home
- poverty
- social isolation or other social difficulties
- connections with people involved in gangs or crime
- disability
- mental health issues
- alcohol or drug problems
- being in care
- being excluded from mainstream education
Signs of exploitation
Signs to look out for include:
- displaying aggressive/violent behaviours
- often going missing from home or school and being found away from their normal area
- unexplained money, clothes, designer wear, jewellery, gadgets or mobile phones
- having multiple mobile phones
- getting lots of phone calls or texts
- use and/or possession of drugs and/or alcohol
- possession of hotel key cards/keys
- committing theft/shoplifting
- relationships with older people
- unexplained injuries
- carrying weapons
- abandoning friends and their social circle
- school performance getting worse
- self-harm
- changes in well-being
- significant emotional changes (like becoming angry or sad), or becoming fearful, withdrawn or isolated
- using different language/terminology
- new peer groups and/or relationships with unknown associates
Any sudden change in a young person’s lifestyle could be because of criminal exploitation and you should talk to them about it
Risks of exploitation
Risks include:
- emotional and physical harm
- sexual violence
- sexual exploitation
- criminalisation resulting in custodial sentences, criminal records
- risk to siblings
- forced to live in cuckooed properties (see link to the county lines page which makes reference to cuckooing
- being excluded from education
- serious violence/death
Advice for children
If you are worried about a friend or concerned about your own welfare
It can be really worrying if you know someone who is in a gang or you think you may be being exploited. You don't have to cope with things on your own.
You could:
- contact Childline on 0800 1111 or online
- ask an adult for help, like a parent or teacher you trust
- call 999 if you think they are in immediate danger and need urgent help
- consider speaking with your designated safeguarding lead if in education
- talk to your GP or nurse, social worker, mentor, local police officer
How to leave a gang
- try to spend less time with the other gang members
- try to avoid places where you know the gang will be
- contact Childline on 0800 1111 or online
- ask an adult for help, like a parent, teacher or youth worker you trust
- call 999 if you are in immediate danger and need urgent help
- focus on things that you enjoy like sport, music, art, reading or hobbies
Advice for parents and guardians
Child criminal exploitation is a form of child abuse.
Advice about child abuse for parents, guardians and professionals
Report possible child criminal exploitation
If you suspect someone of criminally exploiting children, or think someone you know has been or is at risk of becoming a victim find out how to report possible child abuse.
If someone is in immediate danger and needs urgent help please call 999 now. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our text phone service 18000 or text us on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergency SMS service.
Help and support
Child Exploitation and Online Protection
Support and advice for children, young people, parents/carers, professionals and private sector organisations.
County Lines & Child Exploitation
Specialist support for young people who are affected by abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
Report child criminal exploitation anonymously.
Parents Against Child Exploitation (Pace)
Support for parents and carers of children who are being exploited by criminals.
Other child abuse support organisations