DUDLEY Council is highlighting how abusers are grooming youngsters  through online gaming as part of a new campaign to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation.

Called ‘Gaming with AJ – the warning signs were there’, the hard-hitting film shows how the hidden crime can be spotted and follows the story of fictional gaming vlogger AJ, who’s targeted by an abuser.

Produced by the ‘See Me, Hear Me’ partnership, the film shows how an offender grooms his victim with gaming tips and gifts to gain his trust before abusing him.

Trailers are now on social media, YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, with the full version available on the campaign website seeme-hearme.org.uk.

Councillor Anne Millward, Dudley’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “With social media and online gaming such a big part of young people’s lives we want to ensure they can enjoy their activities without making themselves vulnerable.

"It is vital young people understand the importance of staying safe online and parents are open with our children and talk to them about online dangers. Preventing child  abuse is everyone’s responsibility. I would urge people to watch the film and share with friends.”

The film shows CSE can affect any child, regardless of their background. Perpetrators groom victims in person, via mobiles or online to gain their trust before emotionally and sexually abusing them.

Warning signs include having friends who are older, persistently going missing, secretive relationships with unknown adults, school truancy, chronic fatigue, constant calls on a mobile phone and possession of money or new things.

Anyone concerned about a young person’s safety should call police on 101, Crimestoppers (anonymously) on 0800 555111 or 999 in an emergency.