Why language matters: how using terms like ‘recruited’ and ‘working’ minimise children’s experiences of criminal exploitation

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From the NSPCC'S Library and Information Service specialists

When you hear the words ‘recruited’ or ‘working’ you probably think about legal, safe employment. However, these terms are used by those who groom and coerce children and young people into criminal activity such as moving money and drugs. When these terms are also used by the wider public and by safeguarding professionals it can reinforce this idea of ‘working’ and legitimise child criminal exploitation (CCE).

Terms like ‘recruited’ and ‘working’ also mask the harm caused by child criminal exploitation. They imply that the child or young person is responsible for, and in control of, the situation they are in. These perceptions can then prevent children and young people from receiving the protection, help and support they need.

The language doesn’t reflect the harm caused

Learning from case reviews shows that professionals don’t always recognise safeguarding concerns when working with young people who are experiencing criminal exploitation. In some cases, this was exacerbated by the language professionals used to discuss and record information about young people’s lives.

> Learn more about the impact of victim-blaming in our Child sexual exploitation: learning from case reviews briefing

Those seeking to exploit children often do so through a process of grooming. This involves perpetrators gaining a child or young person’s trust in order to control and force them to take part in criminal activity. This can happen in person and online, including through ‘professional’ adverts designed to appeal to young people on social media platforms.¹ Children and young people are also sometimes coerced into encouraging their friends or peers to take part in criminal activity.²

This process of grooming is sometimes called being ‘recruited.’ However, the term ‘recruited’ fails to reflect the premeditated manipulation involved. It also masks the power and control that perpetrators seek to exert over children and young people.

> Learn more about recognising the signs of grooming

Not all children experiencing child criminal exploitation are groomed and some children experience being trafficked or forced into modern slavery.³ Children experiencing child criminal exploitation are often described as ‘working’, however in reality, children and young people are forced to undertake activity that is criminal.

> Find out more about protecting children from trafficking and modern slavery

Children involved in criminal activity are at risk of, and potentially experience, abuse and other harms.⁴ This can include being made to sleep in residences taken over for drug distribution, being threatened with or actually experiencing violence, being at risk of arrest and having the safety of friends and family threatened.⁵

The language reinforces the idea that the child or young person has chosen to be involved in criminal activity

Terms like ‘working’ focus solely on the actions of the young person, suggesting that they are freely choosing to be involved in criminal activity. They adultify the child, feeding into the perception of them as ‘streetwise’ and ‘grown up’ rather than as a child who needs a safeguarding response. ‘Working’ and similar language fails to reflect the manipulation, pressure and coercion used by perpetrators of child criminal exploitation. For example, some children who have been exploited experience high levels of threat and blackmail.⁶

Victim-blaming language that focuses solely on a young person’s actions and involvement in criminal activity can also lead professionals to perceive the young person first and foremost as a perpetrator of crime. Criminalising rather than protecting young people can result in opportunities for support and intervention being missed.^7,8

Use language that children are comfortable with and that helps them talk about their experiences

Children and young people often aren’t aware that they are being exploited. They may not relate to language like ‘being groomed’ or ‘targeted’ as they think it is their choice to be ‘working’.⁹ They may also be distressed by language like ‘criminal exploitation’. This can be because they are afraid that by acknowledging that a crime has been committed against them, they will be responsible for getting other people in trouble. They might also be scared that they will be seen as a ‘snitch’.^10,11

Young people have their own terms to describe their lives and experiences of criminal exploitation.¹² It’s useful to be aware of and curious about the language young people use. This can create opportunities for discussion, giving children and young people the space to explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences of child criminal exploitation.

Using child-centred language, validating children and young people’s experiences and building relationships with them can help you identify other potential risks.¹³ However, it’s still important to clearly communicate your concerns and talk about the characteristics of exploitation and the different ways it can occur.¹⁴

Use language that clearly describes the safeguarding concerns the child is experiencing

When a child or young person has experienced criminal exploitation, many different agencies, such as the police, education and children’s services, may be involved. Agencies should focus on a safeguarding response rather than a criminal justice response.

In written and verbal communications, it’s important to use common terms and language that clearly describes what has happened. For example, instead of saying the child ‘has been recruited by’ or ‘is working for a gang,’ say ‘the child has experienced criminal exploitation’ or ‘been groomed’ or ‘been targeted to distribute drugs’.¹⁵

It’s also important that professionals from different agencies understand the level of risk surrounding a child and the type of intervention required.¹⁶ Using terms like ‘working’ and ‘recruited’ in professional practice doesn’t communicate the level of risk or harm a child is experiencing.

By using clear language when talking about child criminal exploitation, professionals working with a child can build an accurate picture of their experience and identify support that meets their needs. Avoiding terms like ‘recruited’ and ‘working’ and re-framing how we talk about child criminal exploitation can help professionals recognise the exploitation and help young people better understand what has happened to them.