Kingston Council and the Metropolitan Police have both started campaigns to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation and teach parents how to spot abuse

The Met has launched Operation Makesafe, a London-wide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation, while the council has also released a list of signs parents should look out for as part of a week-long campaign.

These include noting changes in behaviour, unusual periods of absence or a child suddenly having more money than usual.

Deborah Lightfoot, independent chair of the Kingston Local Safeguarding Children's Board (LSCB), said: “Child sexual exploitation is a serious and alarming form of abuse, and because it often goes unreported, it is difficult to understand its prevalence.”

“Children and young people can be tricked into believing they're in a loving, consensual relationship by their abusers so the only way to stop it, is by ensuring there is widespread understanding of what child sexual exploitation is.”

LSCB members will train care providers, voluntary organisations and community groups over the coming week to identify signs of exploitation.

Met officers will also be providing awareness training to businesses such as hotels, taxi firms and bars over the coming weeks.

Cllr Richard Hudson, cabinet member for children’s social care and health, said: “We all have a responsibility to protect the children and young people in our care, therefore we cannot, and must not, allow this crime to go undetected in our community.”

What to look out for if you suspect a child or young person is being sexually exploited:

  • Changing behaviour: The child or young person is becoming more secretive, more distant, not seeing their usual friends, dressing in a different way, becoming tired or frequently unwell.
  • Sexual health problems: The child or young person contracts a sexually transmitted disease, experiences a pregnancy scare, is associating with older men or women, and displays marks or scars.
  • Rewards: The child or young person has more money than usual, expensive gifts, such as jewellery or mobile phones, or other items which they could not normally afford or buy on their own.
  • Abusive messages: The child or young person receives odd calls or text messages, which they are secretive about, threats or bullying on social media.
  • Periods of absence: The child or young person goes missing from home or school and becomes defensive about their whereabouts. They return home late at night, perhaps in a dishevelled state or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.