Warning Signs

Child exploitation takes many forms, including child prostitution, child pornography and pornography on the Internet. The vast majority of children do not get involved voluntarily; they are coerced, enticed or are utterly desperate.

 As a parent, educator or carer you need to be able to recognise the signs that a child might be a victim of child pornography or any other form of sexual exploitation. Child pornography has devastating effects on children, both on those who are exploited in the actual pictures and those who view it. Exploitative adults will encourage children to view child pornography, which leads them to see pornographic acts as acceptable and normal. This acceptance can make them more susceptible to being the subject of future sexual involvement.

Preventing children from being photographed or portrayed as the subject of pornography is difficult. Because abusers have no distinguishing characteristics, it is difficult to warn children about what an abuser is or looks like. But you can warn children about the abnormal actions of abusers and make sure that children know that they have the right to say NO. A responsible adult should be aware of the indicators of sexual and physical abuse and exploitation, such as those listed under ‘Warning Signs’ below.

Obviously there could be other explanations, but it is important to help your child no matter what the cause of the symptoms or the behaviour. For instance, you might become aware of and concerned about your child’s relationship with an older person (whom your child might describe as a friend, whether male or female) and/or frequent absences from home/school.

Local police and social services have small specialist teams who are specially trained to interview children with the support of their parents.

Read the NSPCC briefing on Sexual Abuse