Warning signs of child exploitation harder to spot this summer

As families struggle to afford the basics, more children are being exposed to exploitation too. Organised crime groups are capitalising on rising costs and financial pressures, using them as opportunities to contact, groom, and exploit children.

Jess Edwards, Senior Policy Adviser at Barnardo’s, says, “A seemingly simple offer of gifts, food, or drink at a time of need can quickly be leveraged by criminals into a cycle of debt or exploitation.”

Children who have experienced exploitation will feel its impact long into adulthood. Specialist support is key to helping them recover and rebuild their lives. However, we’re concerned children who’ve experienced exploitation are going unsupported due to a nationwide lack of specialist support services.

Last year, Barnardo’s supported more than 6,000 children through our child abuse and exploitation services. But we know many more desperately need help.

That’s why we’re calling on the government to invest in nationwide specialist support services, such as counselling and therapy, for children who’ve experienced this type of trauma. No child should be left to cope alone after being exploited.

Lynn Perry, Barnardo’s CEO, says, “Exploitation doesn’t stop when the school gates close. So we also need more investment in services, like youth clubs, that provide safe spaces and help ensure all children have a trusted adult they can turn to in the school holidays.”

Every child who has been exploited should be supported to recover and rebuild their lives after this type of trauma.