County Lines - Teacher Handbook

Lesson Overview

Duration	50-60 minutes
Key Stage	KS3 (Years 7-9)
Subject Links	PSHE, Citizenship
Resources	Pupil handouts, Quiz, Presentation

Learning Objectives

Understand what county lines is and how it operates
Recognise grooming and recruitment tactics used by gangs
Identify warning signs that someone may be involved
Know that being exploited is not the victim's fault
Understand where to get help and how to report concerns

Background Information

County Lines is a form of criminal exploitation where gangs use children to transport and sell drugs between urban areas and smaller towns. The "line" refers to the dedicated mobile phone used to take drug orders.

Over 2,000 active county lines identified in England and Wales
Children as young as 7 have been exploited
Peak age for recruitment: 14-17 years
Cuckooing: Taking over vulnerable adults' homes as dealing bases

The Grooming Process

Stage	Description
1. Targeting	Identifying vulnerable young people (excluded from school, in care, isolated)
2. Befriending	Offering friendship, gifts, money, sense of belonging
3. Creating Dependency	Young person becomes reliant on gang for money, status
4. Debt Bondage	Creating fake "debt" through staged robbery
5. Exploitation	Forced to transport/sell drugs, sometimes far from home

Warning Signs

Going missing, especially overnight or for extended periods
Unexplained money, phones, clothes, or gifts
Changes in behaviour - secretive, withdrawn, aggressive
Found in areas with no obvious connection to their life
Declining school attendance and performance
Signs of drug use or possession of drug paraphernalia
Unexplained injuries
Relationships with older individuals

⚠️ Safeguarding Considerations

Critical Points:

Young people involved in county lines are VICTIMS of exploitation, not criminals
They may not see themselves as victims due to grooming
Some pupils may recognise signs in themselves or friends
Modern Slavery Act provides protection for exploited children
Report all concerns to your DSL immediately - this is a safeguarding matter

Lesson Plan

5 mins Starter

What do pupils think "county lines" means? Gather responses before providing the accurate definition.

15 mins What is County Lines?

Explain the model, the grooming process, and why young people are targeted. Emphasise that victims are exploited, not willing participants.

10 mins Warning Signs Activity

In pairs, pupils identify warning signs from scenarios on handouts.

10 mins Discussion: Why Don't They Just Leave?

Address the psychological manipulation, fear, debt bondage, and sense of belonging that keeps victims trapped.

10 mins Getting Help

Cover reporting routes: trusted adults, Childline, Crimestoppers, police. Emphasise anonymous options.

5 mins Plenary

Key message: Exploitation is never the victim's fault. Help is available.

Support Resources

Organisation	Contact
Childline	0800 1111
Crimestoppers	0800 555 111
Modern Slavery Helpline	0800 012 1700
NSPCC	0808 800 5000

County Lines Exploitation