Police launch campaign against child exploitation by warning of nude selfie risks

Targeting children from ages 11 to 17, the campaign is backed by Local Safeguarding Boards and officially starts tomorrow (Saturday, March 18).

It aims to give young people advice on staying safe online to help tackle Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).

Sussex Police will even be releasing animations on its Snapchat account (Sussex_Police) told from the perspective of a teen.

These will show the dangers of sending nude selfies, which can result in becoming the victim of blackmail and exploitation.

The story was created after considerable consultation with young people at youth services across Sussex.

Tomorrow is CSE Awareness Day and the police will be getting involved in raising awareness for this issue to make sure it is not ignored.

National CSE Awareness Day encourages everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse and adopt a zero tolerance to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children as well as children developing inappropriate relationships with other children.

Detective Superintendent Jason Tingley said, “The more we all know about CSE, the more likely we can spot the signs and take action.

“I urge everyone to get involved by writing a pledge on the palm of your hand and share it on social media with the hashtag #HelpingHands.

“This highlights the commitment to and support for the day, as well as the good work that police forces, councils and charities are doing to help support victims and identify perpetrators of CSE.”

Sussex PCC Katy Bourne said, “It’s vital that we unite to encourage everyone to speak out against abuse so that victims know they are not alone and perpetrators understand that it will never be tolerated.

“I remain steadfast in my commitment to supporting victims and their families who are subjected to child sexual exploitation.”

To find out more about the National CSE Awareness Day visit www.stop-cse.org/national-child-exploitation-awareness-day