People in Lincolnshire being urged to learn signs of child exploitation

Lincolnshire locals are being urged to look out for signs of child exploitation as part of a weeklong campaign by The Children’s Society.

Exploitation can happen in plain sight while children are in shopping centres, takeaways, or on public transport.

It can also happen when they're on their phones via social media or online gaming, so spotting signs of exploitation in everyday life can help keep a child safe.

The charity’s #LookCloser campaign encourages everyone to be vigilant of children’s behaviour and activity throughout their day and evenings – getting a takeaway, waiting for a taxi, or checking in to a hotel.

Lydia Patsalides, East Midlands Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers:

"The exploitation of young people, vulnerable people, of anybody, really takes many forms and there are many ways to spot it as well.

"It could be things such as new friends, using a new language or new terms and different words, perhaps they're coming home with new clothes or new phones, which they didn't necessarily have money for.

"Or perhaps their behaviour is actually also starting to change, so perhaps they're becoming a little bit more secretive, perhaps starting to flounce the rules a little bit. . So all of these can culminate in somebody that's actually being groomed or exploited.

"I think any aspect of grooming or exploitation will cause some sort of trauma, some sort of upset, some sort of fear for that young person, something that they may have to work through.

"I think it's really important for young people to understand that when you're groomed and exploited, you are a victim and that you can get help.

"You won't necessarily be in trouble with the police. They will do what they can to help you. And so the police forces, Crime Stoppers, friends, peers are all there to help those young people."

Some common signs of child exploitation include:

· A young person travelling alone, particularly late at night or on a regular basis.

· A young person being instructed or controlled by another individual.

· A young person who seems anxious, worried, angry or is displaying other behaviours that make you worried about them.

· A young person carrying a lot of cash

· A young person talking about new friends they have met online.

As part of the campaign The Children’s Society has been working with regional police forces, councils, and local businesses to deliver training and guidance on how to prevent child exploitation.

Home Office statistics show that 100 children in Lincolnshire were referred to the National Referral Mechanism as suspected victims of exploitation in 2024.

To find out more about child exploitation and to find guidance about effective communication with children and young people, search #LookCloser or go to childrensSociety.org.uk/LookCloser. . |newtab)

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