Name: _________________________________________
Date: _________________
📖 What is County Lines?
County Lines is when criminal gangs use children and young people to transport and sell drugs from cities to smaller towns. The "line" is the phone number used to order drugs.
Key Facts:
- Over 2,000 county lines operate in England and Wales
- Children as young as 7 have been exploited
- Gangs target vulnerable young people
- Victims are often sent far from home
🎯 How Do Gangs Recruit?
1Target vulnerable person
2Offer friendship & gifts
3Build trust & dependency
4Create fake "debt"
5Force work to "pay off"
⚠️ They look for: Young people who feel lonely, excluded, need money, have problems at home, or want to belong somewhere.
🚩 Warning Signs
- Going missing or being away from home a lot
- Having unexplained money, phones, or expensive items
- Becoming secretive or changing friends suddenly
- Declining school attendance
- Unexplained injuries
- Being found in areas with no connection to their life
- Signs of drug use
✏️ Activity: Spot the Signs
Scenario: Jake, 14, has started hanging out with some older guys from the city. He's got a new phone and expensive trainers but won't say where they came from. He's been missing school and his parents say he sometimes doesn't come home at night. When asked, he gets angry and defensive.
What warning signs can you identify?
What would you do if Jake was your friend?
💡 Important to Know
- It's NOT their fault - young people involved are VICTIMS of exploitation
- Gangs use psychological manipulation and fear
- Victims often don't realise they're being exploited
- The Modern Slavery Act protects exploited children
- Help is available - you can report anonymously
🆘 Need Help?
Childline: 0800 1111 (Free, 24/7)
Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 (100% anonymous)
Modern Slavery Helpline: 0800 012 1700
School: Talk to a trusted teacher or safeguarding lead