Young gamers to be told of grooming risks in campaign

Youngsters will be told how to stay safe online and remain vigilant to abusers attempting to target them.

It is the latest phase of a campaign from the region-wide 'See Me, Hear Me' partnership, which aims to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation (CSE).

Councillor Paul Sweet, Wolverhampton Council's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "With social media and gaming now being such a big part of young people’s lives, it’s important they can enjoy them safely.

“Online grooming can affect both boys and girls and can happen through social media, gaming, chatrooms or other online communication."

The See Me, Hear Me campaign was launched by Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, Coventry, Birmingham and Solihull councils, along with West Midlands Police in June 2014.

Organisations have since come together to create a new film focusing on the signs of this 'hidden crime'.

The film, 'Gaming with AJ – The Warning Signs Were There', tells the tale of fictional gaming vlogger AJ, who is targeted by an abuser.

The perpetrator grooms AJ with online gaming tips and free gifts to gain his trust before meeting and abusing him.

Councillor Sweet added: “In this fictional story AJ was manipulated while gaming online in his own home, and later abused and exploited by the man he met.

“We all have our part to play in keeping our children and young people safe and being aware of the warning signs and acting on them early can help prevent abuse happening or escalating.

“I would urge people to check out our website to watch the film in full. The site contains a wealth of information about CSE and the warning signs to look out for, as well as signposting people to help and support.”

A short trailer promoting the film will feature on Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, as well as through popular gaming, entertainment and mobile messaging apps.

Parents will also be encouraged to watch the film via Facebook and other apps, with an advert also set to be heard on Spotify.

Posters are also expected to appear on buses, trains, trams and phone boxes across the region.

See the film at seeme-hearme.org.uk