A story about child criminal exploitation

Ryan’s drive to prove his independence makes him vulnerable to be drawn into the world of drugs and exploitation by organised criminal groups. 

Warning: interactive video contains content that some viewers might find distressing.

“Someone once asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up.

They didn’t understand how round here, we were already grown up. They didn’t get that what you wanted to be and what you had to be, weren’t the same thing.

Look at Harvey. His dad was a dealer, his brother’s a dealer and his mum’s a user. Do you really think he has a choice?

Then there’s me. People tell me that because my stepdad has a good job that I have it decent, but he holds it over me. Telling me that he had never had things given to him on a plate as a kid like I do. It’s like he’s waiting for me to fail; doing a runner like my dad or ending up inside like my uncle.

It all makes me wanna prove them all wrong and make my own dough. There’s no jobs round here for people like me, but I’ll show him and everyone there are other ways of making something of myself.”

How Ryan can get help

If Ryan or anyone else is in immediate danger he should call 999. 

He can call the local police on 101, asking to remain anonymous if he wishes, or he can speak to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, share information via Fearless or call Childline on 0800 111.

Alternatively, he could speak with a trusted adult such as a parent, grandparent, carer, teacher, youth, health or social worker, and he can use the Not In Our Community website to work out the next steps to take together.

Do you need help?

  • Humberside Police

    Humberside Police – If you have concerns about someone’s wellbeing, please report to the police on 101 or dial 999 if it’s an emergency.

  • ceop

    CEOP – If you’re worried about online abuse or the way someone has been communicating online, if you have been a victim or are worried this is happening to someone you know, this can be reported safely and securely to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) through their experienced Child Protection Advisors.

  • Crimestoppers

    Crimestoppers – reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

  • Childline

    Childline – if you have any worries about a child or young person. Call free on 0800 1111, or have a 1-2-1 chat online or send an email via their website at www.childline.org.uk any time of the day or night.

  • NSPCC - 24/7

    NSPCC – 24/7 line for for adults and young people to express concerns they may have in relation to child sexual exploitation (CSE), 0800 389 1701
    NSPCC – 24/7 adult helpline covering all child protection issues, 0808 800 5000

  • Fearless.org

    Fearless.org – Fearless is a site where you can access non-judgemental information and advice about crime and criminality. What makes this site different is we also provide you with a safe place to give information to us about crime – 100% anonymously.

Or she can speak to a trusted adult such as a parent, grandparent, teacher, youth or social worker who can use this website to figure out how best to get help in this very dangerous situation.