National Child Exploitation Awareness Day on March 18th is a crucial occasion to raise
awareness about the exploitation and abuse of children. This day serves as a reminder of
the responsibilities we share in protecting our most vulnerable members of society,
encouraging everyone to think, spot, and speak out against abuse. Understanding the
various forms of child exploitation and how to combat them is essential for fostering a safe
and supportive environment for all children.
Understanding Child Exploitation
Child exploitation can take many forms, including human trafficking, child labour, sexual
exploitation and online abuse. According to the United Nations, millions of children are
victims of exploitation globally, forced into dangerous and degrading situations. These
children often lack the resources and support needed to escape their circumstances, making
it vital for individuals and communities to take action.
Human Trafficking: Children are often trafficked for labour, sexual exploitation, or
even organ trade. They may be lured by false promises of education or employment,
only to find themselves trapped in horrific conditions. In the UK in 2023, 7,432
children were identified as potential victims of trafficking, accounting for 44% of all
referrals to the National Referral Mechanism, the country’s framework for
identifying victims of modern slavery and human trafficking.
Child Labour: In many parts of the world, children are forced to work in hazardous
environments, depriving them of education, safety, and a chance at a better future.
Online Exploitation: With the rise of the internet, children are increasingly
vulnerable to online predators who exploit them for sexual purposes or engage them
in harmful activities. The NCA currently estimate that there are up to 840,000
individuals posing a threat to children, either through physical contact or online, in
the UK.
Raising Awareness
National Child Exploitation Awareness Day encourages individuals, organisations, and governments
to take a stand against these injustices. Here are several ways to participate:
1. Educate yourself and others
Understanding the signs of child exploitation and abuse is the first step in prevention. Share information with your community, schools and social networks to spread awareness.
2. Support and collaborate with local organisations
Many non-profit and community organisations work tirelessly to combat child exploitation. Donating time or resources can significantly impact their ability to provide support and advocacy.
3. Report suspicious activity
If you suspect a child is being exploited, don’t hesitate to report it to local authorities. Early intervention can save lives and prevent further abuse.
4. Promote online safety
Educate children about internet safety, including the dangers of sharing personal information and interacting with strangers online. Encourage open communication about their online experiences.
National Child Exploitation Awareness Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a
call to action for individuals, communities and nations to protect children from exploitation
and abuse. By raising awareness, educating ourselves and others, and advocating for
change, we can work together to create a safer world for our children.
At Brightcore Consultancy, we are dedicated to providing training and resources to help
education staff safeguard their students effectively.
For more information on our safeguarding services and training, please contact us at
connect@brightcoreconsultancy.com or visit our services page.
