Being safe and getting help
You should feel safe wherever you are.
Most of the time, places like school, gyms, hanging out with friends, travelling, or being online are positive and part of everyday life.
But sometimes, people may try to take advantage of young people. This is called exploitation, and it can happen in everyday places outside of your home.
In Essex, we call this Risk in the Community. It means understanding that what’s happening around you, the places, people and situations that can affect how safe you feel.
“Everyone made me feel like I was just being difficult”
What is exploitation?
Exploitation is when someone:
- Pressures, tricks or controls you
- Gets you to do things for their benefit
- Makes you feel like you owe them something
It might involve:
- Carrying or holding items or money
- Going places you don’t feel comfortable with
- Being asked to keep secrets
- Feeling controlled by someone (even someone your own age)
“I didn’t think I could say no”
How it can start
It doesn’t always feel bad at the beginning.
Someone might:
- Be really friendly or give you attention
- Offer money, gifts or lifts
- Make you feel important or included
Over time, this can turn into:
- Pressure
- Threats
- Feeling like you can’t say no
What starts off feeling “normal” can change so trust your instincts.
“It didn’t feel bad at the start”
Is this happening to me or my friend?
You might notice:
- Feeling anxious, stressed or not yourself
- Being told to go somewhere or do something you’re unsure about
- Someone checking up on you or controlling what you do
- Being given things and then feeling like you owe something back
- Being asked to keep secrets or not tell anyone
- Feeling worried about getting in trouble
If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t
Feeling worried? What you can do?
You are not on your own.
Talk to someone you trust
This could be:
- A parent or carer
- A teacher or school staff member
- A coach or youth worker
- Another trusted adult
You won’t be in trouble
Even if:
- You said yes at first
- You made a mistake
- You’re worried about what someone else will say
Speaking up helps people keep you safe.
If you don’t want to talk to someone you know
You can still get help:
- Childline – call 0800 1111 (free, confidential)
- Visit www.childline.org.uk
- Talk to a trusted adult whenever you feel ready
You can report worries about activity happening in your community without sharing your name;
· Fearless on 0800 555 111; Fearless: Anonymous Reporting for a Safer Community | Crimestoppers
· If you are travelling on a train or at a station report via text message to British Transport Police without leaving your details; 61016
In an emergency
If you or someone else is in immediate danger:
- Call 999
Looking out for your friends
You might notice something isn’t right with a friend.
You can:
- Take it seriously
- Encourage them to talk to someone
- Talk to a trusted adult yourself
You don’t need to handle it alone.
Important to remember;
- It’s not your fault
- You don’t need proof, your feelings matter
- Help is there when you’re ready
- There are adults who will listen and support you
Useful Information;
All children should feel safe in sport; Feels like yesterday NWG Network / Sport England - POPLA
Children can reach out to sports coaches to talk; Bing Videos
Nicole’s story of exploitation; Nicole’s story: the child victims of UK drug gangs - BBC News
Report & Remove tool; Report Remove | Childline