Tell-tale signs missed on sex exploitation

Those who work with young people need to be better equipped to spot those at greatest risk, says Barnardo's.

The children's charity is calling for specialist training to help professionals recognise the early indications a youngster is being sexually exploited.

Key signs include skipping school, secretive use of mobile phones and the internet, unexplained gifts, abuse of drugs or alcohol and a history of unprotected sex or inappropriate sexual behaviour.

Barnado's also urged better information-sharing between social services, teachers, police and health workers.

Wendy Shepherd, from the charity, said: "If we can identify these children we can significantly reduce the number of children being exposed to these horrific risks.

"Taken alone, the indicators are not necessarily proof of exploitation, but alarm bells should ring, especially if there are a number of indicators."

Martin Narey, Barnardo's chief executive, added: "The sexual exploitation of children by adults is a hidden obscenity. There is an understandable tendency to believe this happens very rarely. In fact it's everywhere, in every town and city in the UK and professionals involved with children need to know the tell-tale signs."