Children are being urged to "say something if they see something" as part of a campaign to help keep their friends safe from sexual exploitation.

Launched by Cumbria Police, the campaign is primarily aimed at teenagers, as often parents and adults can be the last to be made aware of a potentially abusive relationship.

Police are encouraging young people to recognise the signs of abuse, as well as the dangers of sexting, to help keep each other safe.

Police said that there is a "common misconception that child sexual exploitation (CSE) offenders are lonely old men who prey on vulnerable young girls", but said that there are many forms of CSE, and offenders can be teenagers themselves who are grooming younger girls and boys – often through attention, alcohol, and/or drugs.

The victims may not even see themselves as victims, but in a consensual relationship with an older teenager, police added, which is why it is vitally important that young people are able to recognise the difference between a happy healthy relationship and an abusive exploitative one, so that they can help keep their friends safe.

DI Neil Cooper for Cumbria Constabulary said: "CSE is an issue everywhere in the country, and Cumbria is no exception. A lot of work happens behind the scenes in Cumbria to tackle the issue.

"Young people will often tell their friends about new relationships long before any adults in their life are made aware, which is why it’s so important that young people look out for each other.

"CSE can take many forms, for example it could be a young person having sex in return for attention, gifts, alcohol or cigarettes. Although the young person may not realise they are being exploited at the time, this can cause a lot of damage to their physical, emotional and psychological health as they come to realise that they have been a victim.

"If anyone has any concerns that a friend may be in danger or could be being groomed, I would urge them to get in touch with someone – whether that is via an anonymous helpline or a trusted adult. If you think something is wrong, it probably is.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to warn young people about the dangers of sexting. Today's 'selfie' and 'sexting' culture contributes to the risk that young people now face – young people now have easier access to the internet, through various devices, than ever before. As a result they are becoming exposed to pornography frequently and at a young age, which may influence how they see acceptable behaviour.

"I would like to remind them that once you have sent an image, you have forever lost control of it, and it could be used to bully, harass, or even locate you. My advice is if you wouldn’t willingly show your parents the photo then don’t send it."

(MH/CD)