what is child exploitation?

There is a lot of confusion about what exploitation is. Many common words like “abuse” and the sobering reality of what they mean have lost weight. Therefore, as an organization, we focus on the word “exploitation” because it encompasses both the mentality and actions that cause severe harm to children. The Britannica dictionary defines exploit as to get value or use from (something); to use (someone or something) in a way that helps you unfairly.” 

We Define Child Exploitation As

Using a Child for Another Person’s Gain or Benefit

This definition is crucial because it creates a baseline for us to observe actions. Exploitation is a mentality that objectifies human beings, and that allows perpetrators of all types to justify their abusive and harmful actions. Any level of child exploitation is a warning sign to pay attention to. These justified choices to exploit a child (even in minor situations) produce fertile ground for other, more severe forms of harm in the future.