“Spread cheer, not fear. Let’s keep every child safe this year”
The festive season is often seen as a time of joy, family, and celebration. But for some children and young people, Christmas can also bring heightened exploitation risks. Here are a few things to look out from an expert project worker from our What is Sexual Exploitation (WiSE) project:
Why are risks higher during Christmas?
- Increased online activity
Many children receive new devices as gifts – smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles. This surge in online presence creates opportunities for risks in the online space. For example, unknown people initiating contact through social media, gaming platforms, and chat apps. - Reduced supervision
With schools closed, services closing for Christmas and everyone busy making preparations for the holidays, children may spend more unsupervised time online. - Financial pressures
Families struggling financially may be more vulnerable to offers of money, gifts, or opportunities that seem too good to be true. - Unexplained gifts
Unexplained gifts may be overlooked during Christmas because gift-giving is a normal part of the season. For packages arriving in the post, it is normal for these to be hidden away and so may not be questioned. - Isolation and emotional vulnerability
For some children, Christmas can be a lonely time. Exploiters often target those seeking attachment, or a sense of belonging.
Common exploitation tactics during the holidays
- Gift-giving grooming: Perpetrators may offer expensive gifts or money to build trust.
- Online gaming lures: In-game chats can be used to establish relationships and move conversations to private platforms.
- Fake job offers: Young people may be approached with promises of easy money through “holiday jobs” that lead to criminal exploitation.
Warning signs to look out for
- Unexplained new items or money.
- Increased secrecy around online activity.
- Withdrawal from family or friends.
- Talking about new “friends” who are older or unknown to you.
How to reduce risks
- Set up parental controls on new devices and discuss safe online behaviour. This is a great site to explain how to set up controls for each app – Parental controls and privacy settings guides | Internet Matters
- Stay engaged: Ask about their online interactions and gaming experiences. Encourage open discussions.
- Educate and learn: Ask your young person to explain a game or an app to you. Keep up to date with trends and technologies.
Christmas should be a time of joy, not fear. By staying informed, we can help protect children from exploitation and ensure they experience the festive season safely.
