The vast majority of Britons are unaware of child trafficking in this country - and may unknowingly be making it worse, campaigners have said.
A study found one in 10 did not believe children were trafficked into this country, despite fears that hundreds are exploited every year.
Although it is difficult to measure the scale of the problem, estimates suggest around 300 children from 52 countries are trafficked here every year, with a third forced to work as sex slaves.
The survey, commissioned by The Body Shop, revealed the public expect victims to be aged under 10 years old, when in reality most are aged 14 or over.
Charity ECPAT warned that by buying illegal drugs, pirate DVDs or by giving money to child beggars, the public could be handing money to trafficking gangs. ECPAT and The Body Shop have launched a campaign to raise awareness of the problem and money to pay for prevention projects.
Jan Buckingham, values director at The Body Shop said: "We partnered with ECPAT to reveal the true picture on the real extent of the trafficking of children and young people for sexual exploitation.
"We wanted to help find a solution to this terrible abuse of the young and vulnerable.
"We believe there is hope and that with public support and effort we can effect change on an issue which, until now, has been largely hidden from the world."
