Child Exploitation 

Whilst online children can become vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.  As supervising adults, we must be aware of these risks and safeguard children against them. 

‘Technology is a significant component in many safeguarding and wellbeing issues. Children are at risk of abuse and other risks online as well as face to face. In many cases abuse and other risks will take place concurrently both online and offline. Children can also abuse other children online, this can take the form of abusive, harassing, and misogynistic/misandrist messages, the non-consensual sharing of indecent images, especially around chat groups, and the sharing of abusive images and pornography to those who do not want to receive such content.’ (Keeping Children Safe in Education, 2024) 

Child exploitation is abuse that occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance in power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child into taking part in criminal or sexual activity. This can affect children, both male and female. 

If you are concerned about Child Exploitation, speak to a member of our academy Safeguarding team. 

You are also able to report directly to the CEOP using the link below. 

Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) 

This is a reporting tool if a child is worried about online abuse or the way someone has been communicating with them online.  You can safely make a report via their website. 

Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)

Children and young people have been brought up with the Internet and most use technology intuitively, often showing their parents how to use it.

Being online enables children any young people to socialise, learn and experience many things in a variety of different ways.  Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, children have spent more time in the digital world than ever before.

But, as we know, there are dangers associated with everyday Internet use.  Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is commonplace and can be found on mainstream social media and online gaming platforms.

In 2021 there were 85 million pictures and videos depicting child sexual abuse reported .  Many more will have gone unreported.

Below are some useful resources for further information and guidance.

Whisper Anonymous Reporting An anonymous reporting tool for pupils, parents and teachers

So you got naked online Advice and strategies for children, young people and parents to support the issues resulting from sexting incidents