New campaign to tackle child sexual exploitation on Teeside

Child sexual exploitation is a serious crime that deva**states lives.**

That is the message from a new campaign launched by Redcar and Cleveland Council.

"In The Wrong Hands" aims to raise awareness of the warning signs of abuse and grooming against children.

It highlights the risks of online predators and suspicious behaviour.

Mark Braitwaite from The Four Independant Chairs of the Local Safeguarding Children said there are signs parents can look out for.

He said: "Are they chatting online to strangers; are they misusing alcohol or drugs; have they received a mobile phone; what are they like in terms of their mood swings?

"These are just some of the signs parents can look out for. They could indicate that there is a problem."