More should be done to identify those at risk, the study said

Deputy Minister for Young People Euan Robson made his comments as a study by an expert group of childcare charities said that many children are being sexually exploited through prostitution but are not being identified.

The executive, which set up the group, is now planning to undertake research in an attempt to uncover the extent of the problem.

Ministers hope this will allow them and other providers of services for children to reduce child prostitution and identify and help those already being abused in this way.

The research will examine the exploitation of boys as well as girls.

In the past, work to tackle the problem of exploitation through prostitution has focused on the needs of girls but there is growing recognition that both sexes are involved.

We owe it to children being abused in this way to uncover the true extent of the problem Euan Robson

Mr Robson said: "Child prostitution robs children of their childhood.

"We know it goes on but all too often it happens behind closed doors - a hidden shame.

"We owe it to children being abused in this way to uncover the true extent of the problem so we can tackle it effectively."

According to the report many child prostitutes are not visible on the streets.

Some may not realise they are being sexually exploited if they are providing sexual services in exchange for money, alcohol, drugs or even a roof over their head.

They may be locked away in rooms - in affluent as well as deprived areas.

The report also stresses that those who are exploited through prostitution should not be punished or stigmatised but given sympathy and support.

It makes clear that the weight of the criminal justice system should be used against those who abuse or coerce children, not the children themselves.

Child protection

Last November the executive provided an additional �500,000 to Childline Scotland to create a call centre and help more children in need of help and advice.

It is also funding a feasibility study through Barnardo's to look at how best to provide safe accommodation for child prostitutes.

Secure accommodation is sometimes used for this purpose but there are concerns that this may be viewed by young people as a punishment.

The work of the expert group will feed into the three-year child protection reform programme previously announced by ministers.

A review of child protection by the executive found that in more than half of cases investigated, children were either not getting the protection they needed or were only partially protected.