Our role in preventing child exploitation
In this report we asked young people how they feel members of the public, businesses, and services respond to children at risk of or experiencing exploitation. We want to know what is working and what is not, and how support can be improved to protect vulnerable young people.
37 pages
Why are we doing this?
Why this work matters
We chose this theme given its relevance to the #LookCloser campaign and wider initiatives to improve public and private responses to child exploitation. On top of this, a review suggested young people were not consulted often enough on this topic.
It will help us work to drive improvements in protecting children from exploitation, especially within the night-time economy. It will also help to deepen understanding of child exploitation from young people’s perspectives.
Feelings on bias
Young people told us they think racism, ableism, gender prejudice, and a lack of understanding of trans identities are major barriers to getting help. They believe many people are unwilling to confront their own biases or learn about the complexity of different identities.
When a young person is gender neutral, an adult is less likely to intervene because adults generally don't understand concept of gender identity and gender neutrality.
Young people often feel judged by their appearance, race, or clothing, which can determine whether they’re seen as victims or not. Negative experiences with services or the public create fear and mistrust, leaving young people worried about being falsely accused or treated unfairly.
They also feel that discrimination based on race, class, gender, or appearance influences whether they receive support or are viewed as a threat. Many expressed feeling dismissed by adults and the community, as though their voices aren’t taken seriously.
People don't like helping black people
Thoughts on presentation of those at risk
Thoughts on presentation of those at risk
The young people we spoke to stressed the importance of adults paying close attention to body language and behavior, as these can signal when a young person is at risk. Signs like looking tense, nervous, or lost may point to exploitation.
Adults do pick up on obvious signs but not subtle ones.
Neurodiversity
They also felt that a lack of understanding about neurodiversity can make it harder for adults to spot when neurodiverse young people are being exploited, leaving them without the support they need.
If [the young person] struggles with communication they might be overwhelmed and 'freeze' or have stiff body language.
Reflections on current responses
Some young people shared that they don’t feel confident adults would step in to help if they were at risk, believing adults are often more focused on their own safety. This lack of trust can make it harder for young people to get the help they need.
They also felt that bus drivers, taxi drivers, and ticket conductors are often unaware of young people’s needs, especially when traveling. Many pointed out that how victims of exploitation are treated depends on the area, how clear the signs are, and the young person’s identity or background, leaving some feeling overlooked or unsupported.
I do not believe members of the public would intervene and help, people are not as nice as they used to be.
Safeguard and engage
What young people want
Young people want the police and other adults to truly listen to them and take action to keep them safe. They emphasised the need for spaces where they can ask for help without fear of blame and where their voices are valued.
They also called for adults, including the public, to step up in protecting children—approaching them with respect, kindness, and without judgment. Above all, they want empathetic, supportive, and proactive responses that put their wellbeing first.
Quote about what young people want
Listen to minorities and allow minoritised kids to speak on their experience.
To find out more read the full report here.
