If a measure of civilization is how we treat our weakest members, then certain sections of our society fall way short of that standard when it comes to protecting our children.

Two separate news stories in this paper today highlight issues of exploitation of our young people.

Barnardo’s has highlighted the continued issue of sexual exploitation and grooming of young children. And it praises Bradford Council for its pioneering work in tackling the issue and its continued commitment, even in the face of cuts to these initiatives.

But the sad fact is that the number of children being sexually exploited has risen nationally by 8.4 per cent, with 1,190 children falling victim last year.

Any child falling victim to this sort of offence is one too many, and this paper would add its plaudits to the Council for continuing to take a very strong line on this issue. The national rise in this figure show why it is so important that resources are found to tackle this horrendous problem.

The second story, highlighting police concerns about children being used as a front for criminal operations like the sale of counterfeit videos, may be less immediately shocking, but sadly provides further evidence of distressing exploitation.

In both instances, the vulnerability and naivete of children and young people is used as a way of getting them to do something they should not be doing against their will.

Sadly, the very people who should be protecting these children are often in some way involved in this wicked and unforgivable behaviour.

Until we can completely eradicate this sort of exploitation, our civilization will always be found wanting.