Children and Young People
What to do if you are worried
It may sound simple, but if you are worried about anything the best thing you can do is talk to someone you trust. This could be a:
- Friend
- Parent/carer
- Teacher
- Youth worker
- Social worker
They may not always know exactly what to do, but if they are an adult they can find out and help you. Just talking to someone can help you realise whether your worry is little and may just sort its self out in time, or whether it is a big worry, which means you need to do something about it as it is not going to get better until you do. Friends can be useful at helping you decide if your problem is big or small and they can help you tell an adult if you need to.
You can also talk to ChildLine about anything. No problem is too big or too small.
Contact ChildLine by going online and using the 1-2-1 chats or emailing or by calling for free on 0800 1111 (the calls won’t even show up on the phone bill).
You can also contact Children Services in Stoke:
You can call the Front door between office hours on 01782 235100
For out of hours, you can contact 01782 234234
In an emergency call 999.
What is child abuse?
Child abuse is when you, or another child or young person, is being harmed or isn’t being looked after properly. Remember, being abused is never your choice and never your fault. Child abuse is never right.
Here are some things to look out for:
- not being fed
- being continuously criticised, ignored or humiliated
- being asked to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable
- being frightened when left alone without an adult to look after you
- being hit, kicked or punched
- being sexually abused (this can include inappropriate sexual behaviour, language or touching)
Where to go for help
- ChildLine is the free confidential helpline for children and young people in the UK. Call 0800 1111.
- The NSPCC has a helpline 0808 800 5000 for children and young people, and a website with helpful advice about what to do if you are worried or scared
Alcohol and drinking
Even drinking a small amount of alcohol can start to have an effect on your mind and body as everyone reacts differently to alcohol. The effects depend on things such as how tall you are, how much you weigh and what you've had to eat. Is it worth adding legal status on drinking?
Young people are most at risk from alcohol as young bodies and brains are still developing. Drinking can stop you thinking clearly, which means you may do things that you would not normally do. It affects your co-ordination, so that even simple things, like crossing the road, may be riskier. Find out more about the effects of drinking alcohol on The Mix
Drugs and legal highs
Drugs affect people in different ways and finding helpful and accurate information out there can be difficult, particularly about 'legal highs'. If you are worried about your drug and/or alcohol use, please get help. You don’t have to manage on your own.
Staying safe if you are using drugs
- Make sure that you have enough credit or minutes left on your mobile in case you need to meet up with friends or call your parents.
- Don't mix drugs, especially with alcohol, as the effects can be unpredictable and potentially much more dangerous.
- Plan how you're going to get home safely. Make sure that someone knows where you are, don't get separated from your friends while you are out and keep enough money for a taxi home.
- If you're getting a lift, make sure that the driver hasn't been drinking or using drugs.
- Watch out for your friends. If anyone gets into difficulties, call an adult or, if the situation is dangerous, call 999.
Advice and Support:
- Talk to Frank - The national drugs awareness website for young people, parents and carers.
- The Mix - Lots of useful information, advice and young people’s experiences.
Smoking
More than half of all young people never try smoking but if you have started to smoke there is help available if you want to quit. The younger you start smoking the harder it is to quit and the more damage you could do to your health.
Support to Help you Stop Smoking
You are four times more likely to stop smoking with professional help.
- Visit NHS Smokefree to get support including an app, Quit Kit, email, text and face-to-face guidance.
- Talk to your GP who can give you advice and support.
Risk of Smoking
- Your general level of fitness will be reduced.
- Smoking gives you smelly hair, clothes and can turn your nails, teeth and hands yellow.
- Smoking reduces your sense of taste and smell.
- Smoking damages your body and can increase your risk of heart disease and other illnesses.
Healthy relationships
Relationships are really important to everyone, whether they are with family, friends, boyfriend or girlfriend. However, sometimes when you’re in a relationship you don’t necessarily see the signs that may mean you are in a situation that is more unhealthy than healthy.
Here are some signs to look out for to see if you are in a healthy or unhealthy/abusive relationship:
Healthy Relationship
- Respect
- Honesty
- Trust
- Communication
- Equality
- Separate identities
Unhealthy or Abusive Relationship
- verbal or emotional abuse, such as, name calling or threatening to spread rumours about you or someone else
- physical abuse
- sexual abuse, for example, a partner trying to pressure you or someone else into having sex
- controlling behaviour, for example, trying to control you by checking your phone
- no respect
- no honesty
- no trust
- no equality
- being isolated by your partner, such as, being stopped from spending time with friends or family
If you think you’re in an unhealthy or abusive relationship then remember it is not normal and is never OK. It can happen to anyone, adults and children, gay, straight and transsexual, women and men. Being in an unhealthy relationship can affect your self-confidence, mental and physical health.
If you recognise these signs in a relationship that you, a parent, friend or loved one is in, visit the GOV.UK website. More information and support is available at Childline.
Sexual abuse
Exploitation
What is Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)?
Child Criminal Exploitation is a form of child abuse where individuals or organised networks manipulate, coerce, or force children and young people into committing crimes. It often involves grooming and exploitation of vulnerabilities, and the child may not recognise they are being exploited.
Key Features of CCE
1. Exploitation for Criminal Gain
- Children are used to carry out illegal activities such as:
- Drug trafficking (including “county lines” operations)
- Theft, burglary, or robbery
- Fraud or money laundering
- Carrying or storing weapons
2. Methods of Control
- Grooming through promises of money, gifts, status, or protection
- Threats, intimidation, and violence
- Emotional manipulation and creating dependency
- Use of debt bondage (e.g., child owes money for drugs or travel)
3. Power Imbalance
- Exploiters target children who are vulnerable due to:
- Poverty or financial hardship
- Family breakdown or neglect
- Previous trauma or abuse
- Learning difficulties or mental health issues
4. Exchange
- Children may receive something in return (money, drugs, accommodation), but this is never equal or fair. The child remains under control and at risk.
Indicators of CCE
- Sudden possession of expensive items or cash
- Unexplained absences from school or home
- Association with older individuals or gangs
- Frequent travel to areas outside their home location
- Signs of fear, anxiety, or reluctance to talk about activities
- Carrying weapons or large amounts of drugs
Impact on Children
- Physical harm: Injuries from violence or dangerous environments
- Emotional harm: Trauma, fear, and loss of trust
- Criminalisation: Children may be arrested or charged despite being victims
- Long-term consequences: Increased risk of substance misuse, homelessness, and continued exploitation
Why is CCE a Safeguarding Issue?
CCE is recognised as a form of child abuse under safeguarding frameworks. Professionals must treat exploited children as victims, not offenders, and work collaboratively to protect them.
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
Child Sexual Exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse where a child or young person is manipulated, coerced, or forced into sexual activity in exchange for something they need or want, such as money, gifts, drugs, alcohol, affection, or status. It often involves grooming and exploitation of vulnerabilities, and the child may not recognise they are being abused.
Key Features of CSE
1. Exchange element
- Sexual activity occurs in return for goods, money or perceived affection.
2. Power Imbalance
- Exploiters use age, status, threats, or manipulation to control the child.
3. Methods of Exploitation
- Grooming (online or in person)
- Emotional manipulation and promises
- Threats, intimidation, or violence
- Peer pressure or gang involvement
4. Forms of Abuse
- Sexual acts under coercion
- Sharing sexual images/videos
- Trafficking for sexual purposes
Indicators of CSE
- Sudden possession of expensive items or unexplained money
- Frequent absences from home or school
- Older or controlling relationships
- Secrecy around online activity
- Signs of trauma, anxiety, or depression
- Substance misuse or risky behaviour
Impact on Children
- Emotional harm: Trauma, fear, shame, and loss of trust
- Physical harm: STIs, unwanted pregnancy, injuries
- Long-term consequences: Mental health issues, substance misuse, criminalisation
Safeguarding Response
- Treat the child as a victim, not an offender
- Use a multi-agency approach (social care, police, health services)
- Prioritise safety planning and trauma-informed support
- Follow local safeguarding procedures and statutory guidance
Key Messages for Professionals
- CSE is abuse and never the child’s fault
- Early identification and intervention are critical
- Build trust and provide non-judgmental support
- Document concerns and escalate promptly
Mental health
Looking after your wellbeing is very important. There is lots of differing information online about emotional wellbeing, some of which is untrue or misguided, and it can cause worry.
The following are links to websites you can trust for sources of information and support services, many of which we work with regularly. These are not the only things worth looking at online, but they are a great place for you to start looking.
- Autism Explained - Video animation providing a view of autism from a young person’s perspective.
- Beat eating disorders(formerly Eating Disorders Association) - The UK’s leading eating disorder charity with online support groups and a helpline for anyone under 18.
- Childine- Comforts, advises and protects children 24 hours a day and offers free confidential counselling.
- Mind- An independent mental health charity providing information and support to anyone experiencing mental health issues, plus Autism & Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) training courses for parents and carers.
- On My Mind (Anna Freud Centre)- Self-care strategies if you are feeling low or anxious, and a wellbeing directory.
- Samaritans- A 24-hour confidential listening and support service.
- Winston's Wish Bereavement Support- Counselling for children, young people and families who have experienced bereavement in their direct family.
- Young Minds- A leading UK charity providing resource booklets, self-help guides, service directory and a parent and carers helpline.
Disability
If you have Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) you can find local services that offer help, support and advice from the Stoke-on-Trent Local Offer
If you want to find more information about health, wellbeing and disability there is lots of information on NHS Choices. It includes some of the most common disabilities (listed below), including information on symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment.
Bullying
Bullying is repeated behaviour that is intended to hurt someone physically or emotionally. It is often aimed at certain groups because of their race, religion, gender or sexual orientation
Bullying can take many forms, including:
- Verbal - name calling, teasing or threats.
- Physical - being hit, kicked, or having things stolen.
- Social - being left out, ignored, or having rumours spread about you.
- Psychological - being made to feel scared or made to do things you don’t want to do.
- Cyberbullying - online bullying via email, social networks or instant messenger.
What to do if you are Being Bullied
If you are being bullied it is important you talk to someone about it - your mum or dad, a friend or a teacher.
If you want to talk to someone, contact one of the organisations below who can offer advice and support:
Digital safeguarding
It important to keep yourself safe on line. Visit ‘Think u know‘ for help and guidance on digital safeguarding.
Young carers
Young carers are children and young people under 18 years old, who look after a member of the family who is sick, disabled, has mental health problems or is misusing drugs or alcohol.
Lots of children and young people want to help out and feel proud that they are lending a hand. At the same time the impact of these caring responsibilities may cause difficulties at home, school, college or elsewhere.
Sometimes it can be difficult to recognise someone as a young carer, but does this sound like your family or a family you know?
If the council thinks a young carer has support needs they must carry out an assessment. You can also ask for the council to carry out an assessment of your needs and the needs of the whole family.
You can get advice from Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Other useful resources:
- Carers Trust - works to improve support, services and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems.
- Sibs- for brothers and sisters of disabled children.
- The Children's Society - raise awareness of young carers needs, campaign for policy change, support schools, and work to see that these young people get the future and support they deserve.
- YoungMinds - committed to improving the wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.