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Essex Safeguarding Children Board

Parents/carers

Parents, carers and members of the community

Are you worried about your child?

Are they being asked to do something that doesn’t feel right?

Are you worried where they are or who they’re with?

Did you know…trains are often used by young people who may be vulnerable to exploitation? As children get older they may be more likely to travel by trains independently to get to school or college or to venture further afield. It's important to allow them freedom but also to know the signs of exploitation - for example, if your child appears withdrawn or suddenly seems to have lots of money.

Also, members of the public who commute by train for work or for other purposes can play an important role in preventing exploitation.

Listen to the video below for more information.

Missing Child

A young person may use a station or form of public transport in an attempt to disappear. Children run away for a number of reasons, on most occasions they return home safely. Every situation is different and there are no set rules about when a child should be considered missing. However, if you have any doubts about whether to contact the police formally to report a child missing, the police will be happy to discuss your concerns and offer advice about what to do.

Find out more about what to do if a child is missing.

Report concerns and access support

The Police - If you have concerns about child exploitation, you can report them online at www.essex.police.uk where you can also speak to an online Live Chat operator. Alternatively, you can ring 101.

Crimestoppers - You can report concerns anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org

British Transport Police - If you have concerns about suspicious activity in the grounds of a train station, you can text British Transport Police (BTP) on 61016 or use the Railway Guardian app.

SafeCall (Missing People) - SafeCall is a free, confidential and anonymous helpline and support service for young people and family members that are affected by missing, county lines and criminal exploitation. Call or text 116 000.

Ivison Trust (formerly PACE) - supports families affected by criminal and sexual exploitation. Ivison Trust.

The Runaway Helpline - available everyday from 9am to 11pm for children to talk to someone if they are thinking of running away or have run away. They never judge and will always listen. Call or text for free on 116 000 or visit their website Homepage - Runaway Helpline

Always ring 999 if it is an emergency or a crime in progress.

Spot the signs of exploitation

  • Online commodities – receiving game currency and other gifts within games
  • Children who are alone and look frightened and maybe have no tickets or money to pay the fare
  • Children/adults who look frightened in the company of other children or adults
  • Children travelling alone at night
  • Those who do not look comfortable with adults they are travelling with
  • Allows others to speak for them when addressed directly
  • Those under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Children in school uniform during the school day
  • Their physical appearance may show signs of injury, malnourishment and maybe unkempt
  • They might seem unfamiliar with the local area, or not have a local accent
  • They could be travelling during school hours or unusual hours (early in the morning, late at night)
  • Are they travelling the same route on a regular basis (once or twice a week)?
  • They could be receiving excessive texts or phone calls
  • Are they deliberately avoiding authority figures such as police officers or railway staff?
  • Some may be with older individuals who are purchasing tickets for them or giving them money for tickets

Additional resources

Bitesize training video - CE support for parents and carers

Lines by TIC Box Productions - Inspired by a true story, this show explores county lines, where young people are groomed to traffic drugs from cities to coastal towns and rural areas.

Look Closer Campaign - a joint initiative with The Children’s Society and British Transport Police encouraging members of the public to learn the signs of child exploitation and understand how to report it if worried. There are also downloadable resources.

Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit Knife Harm Campaign - Local campaign to increase knowledge and understanding, including where to turn to for help.

Is this ok? Is This Ok? is a free, anonymous, and confidential service, bringing trained professionals together to provide support to young people through a chat service. You don’t need to provide your real name (a nickname is fine for us!), and we don’t need to know your address.