Teens Shown Play About Sexual Exploitation

Tuesday, 10 March 2020 08:28

Teenagers in Years 9 and 10 across Jersey will be watching a theatre production over the next week about the dangers of Child Sexual Exploitation.

.It's part of an awareness campaign about unhealthy relationships, 'sexting', consent and what help and advice services are available.

Love Theatre have created 'Karen's Story' - about a 15 year old girl who is groomed online. It highlights the risks of people misusing the internet and social media 'in a relatable and senstive way'.

It will be performed to around 1500 young people in the run-up to National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day on 18th March.

There will be separate events for parents and professionals.

The Jersey Youth Service will also be working with schools to deliver workshops about the warning signs.

" We have a youth worker present at every production across all of the schools. We also are running workshops alongside in their PHSE lessons so we are letting them know who they can speak to." - Senior Youth Worker Sarah Walker

Detective Superintendent, Stewart Gull - the Vice Chair of the Jersey Safeguarding Partnership Board - says the play has been commissioned because education is the best form of reduction and prevention of CSE.

“Identified incidents of CSE remain consistently very low in Jersey – but we do recognise we don’t always have the full picture – often with vulnerable young people. Friends, parents, guardians and professionals are often best placed to recognise those tell-tale signs that may be out of character, including a change in behaviour."

Members of the JSPB will be on King Street on 18th March to speak to adults and children about CSE.

Islanders can show their support for the campaign by writing a personal pledge on their hand and post on social media using the hashtag #HelpingHands.

Any child or young person can call Childline on 0800 1111, which is free, private and confidential.