Child Exploitation Awareness Day 2026

This week (on 18th March) 2026 saw The National Child Exploitation Awareness Day which aims to highlight the issues surrounding Child Exploitation. The theme for 2026 is “Prevention Through Partnerships” and highlights the importance of community involvement in protecting vulnerable children.

Child Exploitation is a form of abuse that can involve the manipulation and/or coercion of young people under the age of 18 into criminal or sexual activity.  There are four main types of Child Exploitation;

1. Sexual Exploitation (CSE): Children are pressured or forced into sexual activity, sometimes in exchange for gifts, money or status.
2. Criminal Exploitation (CCE): Children are used to commit crimes such as drug trafficking.
3. Online Exploitation: Abuse that takes place online which can include grooming, coercion into sharing inappropriate images or even livestream abuse.
4. Labour Exploitation: Children are forced to work or provide services in unsafe and unfair conditions.

Unfortunately, any child can be sexually or criminally exploited, no matter their community or background. Despite media focus, the majority of those who are victimised are not “looked after” children.

According to the NWG Network, it is estimated that only 20-25% of victimised children and young people are “looked after”. Children living at home can be just as vulnerable as they may not be known to social services and therefore are less likely to be identified as at risk of Child Sexual Exploitation. 

A 2023 report conducted by the Vulnerability Knowledge Practice Programme has found that “a third of CSAE contact crimes take place within the family environment.”

It can be difficult to spot the signs and to know when a child is in potential danger. Often strange or abnormal behaviour is overlooked or ignored due to friends and family thinking the child is just ‘being a typical teenager’. Important signs to look out for can include;

• Sudden changes in behaviour, mood or appearance.
• Unexplained money, gifts or new possessions
• Increased secrecy or avoiding/going missing from school
• Decline in academic performance 

Creating awareness is important, especially with regards to children because a lot of the time they don’t realise they are being exploited. Raising awareness can help adults spot the early warning signs and hopefully intervene before the situation escalates.

If you or a family member are concerned that a child you know may be being exploited, there are a few easy steps you can take;

• Stay calm and try to listen to them without judgement
• Reassure them that whatever has happened is not their fault
• Report any concerns to safeguarding leads or the appropriate authorities
• Seek guidance from Child Protection organisations.