Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
Signs of Grooming
Signs a child may be groomed online:
- Sexting – sending sexual text messages
- Child is upset, withdrawn or angry after texting or using the internet
- Secretive about who they are interacting with while online or on the phone
- Have lots of new phone numbers, email addresses, social media friends or texts while online or using a device
Other signs of grooming or exploitation:
It is important to recognise all common signs of child sexual exploitation. Common signs may include:
- Going missing for periods of time or regularly returning home late
- Frequent or unexplained injuries
- Appearing with unexplained gifts or possessions that can’t be accounted for
- Becoming secretive or unwilling to share information
- Using drugs or alcohol
- Behaving in an overtly sexual or aggressive way