Child exploitation is a hidden crime and can happen in many different ways including online.
It includes young people being persuaded or forced to take part in sexual activity, and organised crime groups exerting their power to involve young people in criminal activity.
Now, ahead of a national awareness day to highlight child exploitation (CE) tomorrow (Thursday), parents and guardians of children are being issued with a list of the tell-tale signs to look out for.
There are various forms of exploitation that involves the manipulation and/or coercion of young people under the age of 18 into activities in exchange for things such as money, gifts, accommodation, affection or status.
The manipulation or "grooming" process involves befriending children, gaining their trust, and often supplying them with drugs and alcohol, sometimes over a long period of time.
Knowing these signs is key to helping to stop child exploitation:
• Unexplained injuries e.g. bruising
• Regularly using drugs or drinking alcohol
• Mood swings, aggression towards others
• Truancy or a drop in performance at school
• Self-harm – e.g. cutting or eating disorders
• Change in appearance, or borrowing clothes from others
• Always tired
• Unexplained relationships with older people
• Staying out late, not returning home
• They have unexplained gifts, expensive clothes, mobile phones
• Unexplained money, frequently taking part in activities requiring money
• Unknown vehicles dropping them off or picking them up
• Unknown friends on their social media sites
• Secretive phone calls and internet use
The initiative is being supported by police forces around the country, including Cheshire and Merseyside.
Detective Sergeant Zoe Bowden, child exploitation manager and coordinator for Cheshire said: "We would urge everyone to know and see the signs of CE and be a voice for those who may not be able to speak up for themselves.
"It is important to remember there is never one type of victim or offender and that child exploitation can happen to anyone.
"The impact this type of crime can have on a child is absolutely devastating and can have a long lasting and significant effect on all those involved."
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Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane, added: "Child exploitation targets some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
"Victims can be manipulated and forced into something they do not want to do, often in return for attention, affection, money, drugs, alcohol or accommodation."
If you suspect someone is carrying out CE, that someone is being exploited, or that you have been a victim yourself, please report it to any of the authorities or the police on 101. In an emergency, dial 999.
For more information about the signs of child exploitation and for help and support, visit www.knowandsee.co.uk
You can also call the national anonymous CE helpline on 116 000
