March the 18th marks Child Exploitation Awareness Day, a day that highlights the issues surrounding Child Exploitation (CE) and encourages everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse. Asking for us all to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards developing inappropriate relationships with children or children exploiting and abusing their peers.
Somerset Youth Parliament wanted to make pledges in support of the victims of child exploitation:
You are never alone. If you’re concerned, please speak to someone; to those listening, don’t judge and to those who don’t act, if you think there’s something wrong tell someone, don’t stand by, ACT!
Emma
To all Young People – you are not alone. People care about you, and it’s going to be OK.
Layla
The only shame from child exploitation should be on the perpetrator(s). If someone you know has been affected by it, the best way to support them is by making them feel included. It is important that victims feel part of society still. Adults should be there for children who struggle, and there should be more mental health professionals in schools.
James
Child exploitation needs to be understood more, and we need to stop judging people
Noah
You should always speak up about Child exploitation, and we should not let this trauma happen to anyone. Speak up and speak out about this injustice.
Daniel
To all Young People affected by this issue – you are not alone. People care about you, and it’s going to be ok.
Layla
Educate us so we know our voice means something. Report concerning behaviour. Teach abusers differently. Don’t normalise abuse. It’s not a joke. It’s not a mistake. It’s abuse.
Abi
You can show your support for the victims of child exploitation by writing a pledge on your hand and sharing it on social media with the hashtags #HelpingHand or #CEADay25
For more information about Child Exploitation and what you can do about it, visit https://stop-ce.org/
Or check out the Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership’s Child Exploitation Awareness Day page, here 18 March is Child Exploitation Awareness Day 2025! – Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership
