GMP and MCC reiterate commitment to protecting young people from online exploitation

As we mark #SaferInternetDay, Manchester Complex Safeguarding Hub (CSH) reinforces their commitment to protecting young people from exploitation.

With children now having access to more digital devices, they are at greater risk of being exposed to online predatory behaviour. We want to empower parents, carers, and professionals to prioritise conversations with young people about staying safe online.

As part of Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council’s commitment to safeguarding children and young people online, Manchester CSH regularly provide training to local neighbourhood officers, the District Safeguarding Team’s, local schools, and charities, to ensure professionals are better equipped to spot the signs of exploitation and are able to support young people and their families when they face online predatory behaviour.

The CSH also have access to its very own Early Help Team, who will wrap around a family when a report comes in, working alongside several professionals to provide victims and loved ones with comprehensive support. They offer a safe space to speak about concerns and offer families multi-agency resolutions.

The Complex Safeguarding Hub is made up of a team of multi-agency professionals dedicated to supporting children thought to be at risk of or are currently being exploited within Manchester. The team are co-located with partners and work closely with Social Services, Early Help Practitioners, NHS staff, Children’s Society, Youth Justice, and schools to ensure that children identified as being exploited are receiving the support, knowledge and safeguarding required to help them recognise and escape from harm.

Detective Inspector Chris Chadderton from Manchester Complex Safeguarding Hub said: “We know that there can be a fear of not being believed or feeling embarrassed when it comes to reporting, but that is why we have specialist workers embedded into our Complex Safeguarding Hub who are able to build trusted relationships with these young people. This allows them to be comfortable divulging information or sharing concerns as they know they will be believed and taken seriously.

“The biggest piece of advice I can give to any parent or guardian is to start the conversation early. Ask children and young people to show you their favourite social media accounts or have them teach you how to play their favourite online game.

“Giving them the space to talk about being online and engaging with them without judgement from a young age could help them as they grow up and start to increase their online interactions.

“It isn’t always easy to spot the signs of exploitation, especially when it might be taking place online behind closed bedroom doors. Often, children may not even realise they are being groomed when they are offered in-game gifts, credited money or even just enjoying a new friendship online.

“Some of the more physical and emotional signs to look for could include acting more secretively, changes in mood or character, knowledge of adult issues inappropriate for their age, or going missing from home and school.”