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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 grooming a child to sell drugs in county lines operations.
Child criminal exploitation can involve bribery, violence 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.
A child may have been exploited even if it looks as if they have willingly committed the crime.
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.
Any child can be a victim of child criminal exploitation. But risk factors include:
Signs to look out for include:
Any sudden change in a young person’s lifestyle could be because of criminal exploitation and you should talk to them about it.
It can be really worrying if you know someone who is in a gang or who you think may be being exploited. You don't have to cope with things on your own.
You could:
Child criminal exploitation is a form of child abuse.
Advice about child abuse for parents, guardians and professionals
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.
Parents Against Child Exploitation (Pace)
Support for parents and carers of children who are being exploited by criminals.
Other child abuse support organisations