CYP Now - There is no silver bullet when it comes to keeping children safe from exploitation

As a journalist and newsreader, I have spent much of my career covering some truly harrowing stories. Very few topics are as shocking and upsetting as the abuse and exploitation of children.

Natasha Kaplinsky is president of Bardnardo's. Picture: Bardnardo's

Child exploitation is one of those terrible things that we just assume would never happen in our own families, but during my time as Barnardo’s president I have come to understand that absolutely no child is free from risk – especially when it comes to grooming online.

Sadly, there are dangerous adults everywhere who are always finding new ways to harm children. The combined crises of the pandemic and the astronomically high cost-of-living have created a perfect storm. More children are now particularly vulnerable to this kind of abuse: either because they’re missing from school, struggling with their wellbeing, or worried about their family’s finances. All these factors can make young people more susceptible to exploitation.

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