Youth Voice Insights into Education on Exploitation

Between October 2025 and January 2026 The Children’s Society consulted young people across England and Wales to obtain their views and opinions on education delivered to children on exploitation.

The findings have revealed clear gaps in both the content and delivery of child exploitation awareness sessions, with young people calling for a more realistic and engaging approach. One which gives them hope and teaches them where to get help rather than warning them of potential dangers and consequences.

As one young person put it:

“Tell us who we can be, not who we shouldn’t be.”

Join us in this session for professionals at all levels to hear more about what young people told us and the practical steps needed to ensure that education on exploitation is hitting the mark and empowering young people to get help when they need it.

In this session for professionals, we will;

• Share the views and opinions of young people from across England and Wales including what they think is working well, what isn’t and what changes they would like to see.

• Focus in particular on police delivery in schools and the clear, practical steps police and other professionals can take to help build trust and confidence with young people to enable them to engage with these sessions.

• Consider implications for comms campaigns and other messaging for young people, including on topics such as fraud, county lines and knife crime.

• Provide insights into how services can learn from young people and their experiences while making sure the process is mutually beneficial rather than extractive and prioritises young people’s safety at all times.

Book Now