Child Exploitation

Child Exploitation: Recognise It. Report It. Prevent It.

Child exploitation is a form of child abuse. It happens when someone uses their power to manipulate, coerce or deceive a child into sexual or criminal activity.

At PSNI, we are committed to protecting children from all forms of exploitation - including:

  • Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) 
  • Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)
  • Online exploitation 
  • Organised exploitation linked to criminal networks

What is Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)?

Child Sexual Exploitation happens when a child is manipulated or pressured into sexual activity in exchange for something - such as attention, affection, money, drugs, alcohol, gifts, status or protection.

It can happen:

  • In person
  • Online
  • Through someone the child knows
  • Through organised networks

A child cannot consent to their own exploitation.

What is Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)?

Child Criminal Exploitation occurs when individuals or organised crime groups groom and coerce children into committing crimes on their behalf.

This may include:

  • Drug supply or transportation
  • Carrying weapons
  • Theft or burglary
  • Storing illegal items
  • Intimidation or violence

Children may be threatened, assaulted, or placed into debt bondage to keep them compliant.

Children involved in criminal exploitation are victims first and foremost.

How Does Exploitation Happen?

Exploitation often begins with grooming.

A perpetrator may:

  • Offer friendship, gifts or money
  • Provide drugs, alcohol or accommodation
  • Offer status, belonging or protection
  • Gradually isolate the child from family or support networks
  • Use threats, violence or humiliation

Online platforms are frequently used to initiate contact or maintain control.

Signs a Child May Be Being Exploited

No single sign confirms exploitation, but warning indicators may include:

  • Unexplained money, clothes, phones or gifts
  • New older friends or relationships
  • Going missing or staying out overnight
  • Increased secrecy
  • Sudden behaviour changes
  • Decline in school attendance or performance
  • Signs of physical injury
  • Carrying multiple phones
  • Anxiety, fearfulness or withdrawal

Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, it may be.

Detective Chief Inspector Claire Gilbert holding a sign saying, Child exploitation evolves. So must we. We want to safeguard children from those who seek to exploit them, sexually or criminally.
Detective Chief Inspector Claire Gilbert

If You Are a Parent or Carer

You are not alone.

If you are worried about a child: 

  • Talk to them calmly and without judgment
  • Avoid confrontation with suspected perpetrators
  • Keep records of concerning incidents
  • Report your concerns to police or safeguarding services

Early reporting allows early intervention.

If You Are a Young Person

If someone is:

  • Pressuring you
  • Threatening you
  • Asking you to carry drugs or weapons
  • Asking you for sexual images
  • Making you feel scared or trapped

You are not to blame.

You can contact:

How We Respond

PSNI works with safeguarding partners across Northern Ireland to:

  • Identify children at risk
  • Disrupt offenders and organised crime groups
  • Safeguard and support victims
  • Prevent further harm

Our approach prioritises protection, not punishment, where children are victims of exploitation.

Report Concerns

If you suspect a child is being exploited:

Your information could protect a child from serious harm.