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Date updated: 28/05/2024
If you are in any doubt as to the immediate safety of any child, please call 999.

We are working with the City and Hackney Safeguarding Children's Partnership (CHSCP) and the NSPCC to help people better understand what the signs of exploitation are and what you can do if you're concerned about someone – ensuring that young people are protected 24 hours a day.

There are lots of reasons why a child or young person might start acting differently. But a change in behaviour could be a sign that they're at risk. Gangs, sexual exploitation and radicalisation can all be dangers for young people.

Campaign leaflets, posters and other resources

Feel free to download and share any of the below campaign leaflets and posters.

Watch Health Education England's Spotting the Signs of child sexual exploitation video.

Watch Say Something, a short film created by young people, for young people, to highlight the importance of saying something when you're worried about a friend.

Spotting the Signs poster PDF (100KB)
Date submitted: 30/12/19
Worried about exploitation leaflet PDF (3MB)
Date submitted: 30/12/19
Child Sexual Exploitation leaflet PDF (4MB)
Date submitted: 30/12/19

The following are some of the possible signs a child or young person at risk of exploitation might exhibit:

  • They hang out with new friends you don't know, some of them maybe older.
  • They have new things they couldn't normally afford.
  • They have become very moody all of a sudden.
  • They use a second mobile phone.
  • They show a sudden interest in knives or guns.
  • They have become so intolerant of people who think differently from them.
  • They are away from home overnight, skipping school or their whereabouts are otherwise unknown.
  • They have suddenly started dressing differently.
  • They and their friends spend an unusual amount of time in the same place.
  • They show a new-found interest in politics and foreign affairs with strong views you might not expect.
  • They spend a lot of time online.
  • They are increasingly secretive about what they are doing.
  • They have cuts, burns or bruises you can't explain.

If you've noticed any of these signs, it doesn't mean that a child is definitely at risk.

However, please let us know about anything you've noticed that you're worried or uncertain about. We can give you free advice and support and help you keep them safe.

Child protection involves taking steps to safeguard vulnerable children and young people at risk or suffering from physical, emotional or sexual abuse or neglect.

If you’re unsure that a child may be suffering but are worried, or if you are concerned that a child has suffered harm, neglect or abuse:

Contact the City of London Corporation Children and Families team:

See full details to contact the Children and Families team including contacts outside office hours.

Or contact the NSPCC directly and anonymously:

Related links