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County lines gangs are a growing problem in the UK, targeting young people to transport and sell drugs. These gangs exploit vulnerable teenagers, using manipulation, threats, and violence to control them. Schools play a crucial role in educating students about county lines, helping them recognise the dangers, and providing support to those at risk.

Many young people are unaware of how county lines gangs operate or the risks involved. By teaching students about the warning signs and providing safe spaces to talk, schools can help prevent gang involvement and protect students from exploitation.

What Are County Lines Gangs?

County lines is a term used to describe drug-dealing networks where gangs from large cities expand their operations to smaller towns and rural areas. These gangs use mobile phone lines, known as "deal lines," to sell drugs remotely and send young people to transport them.

Gangs target young people in different ways, including:

• Grooming: Offering gifts, money, or protection to build trust.
• Threats: Using violence or blackmail to force young people to obey.
• Debt bondage: Making young people believe they owe money to the gang.
• Cuckooing: Taking over the homes of vulnerable people to use as drug bases.

Many young people don't realise they are being exploited until it is too late. This is why education is key.

The Real-Life Impact of County Lines on a Young Person

Lets look at the experience of 14-year-old Liam.

Liam was struggling at school and felt disconnected from his family. An older boy he met online started buying him new clothes and trainers. Eventually, he was asked to "help out" by carrying a small package to another area. At first, it seemed harmless, but soon, Liam was being sent far from home and threatened if he refused.

His teachers noticed changes in his behaviour he was tired, withdrawn, and skipping lessons. A school safeguarding officer spoke to Liam and discovered what was happening. With support from the police and social services, Liam was able to escape the gang and get back into education.

Liam's story shows why schools need to educate students about county lines before they become victims.

How Can Schools Educate Students About County Lines?

Schools can play a key role in preventing county lines exploitation by providing early education, identifying students at risk, and offering support. Here are some practical ways schools can educate students about county lines.

1. Incorporating County Lines Education into the Curriculum

County lines awareness should be part of Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) lessons. These lessons should teach students:

• What county lines is and how gangs operate.
• The warning signs of exploitation.
• How to say no to pressure from gangs.
• Where to go for help if they or someone they know is at risk.

Interactive lessons, such as case studies and role-playing scenarios, can help students understand the risks in a real-life context.

2. Bringing in External Speakers and Experts

Schools can invite professionals to speak to students, such as:

• Police officers who specialise in gang crime.
• Former gang members who have turned their lives around.
• Charities and youth workers who support victims of county lines.

Hearing real-life experiences can make the issue feel more relevant and impactful.

3. Training Teachers and School Staff

Teachers and school staff need to be able to recognise the signs of county lines involvement. Schools should provide training on:

• Spotting changes in student behaviour.
• Understanding how grooming and exploitation work.
• Knowing how to respond to disclosures from students.
• Building trusting relationships with students who may be at risk.

When teachers are well-informed, they can better support students and intervene early.

4. Providing a Safe Space for Students to Talk

Many young people involved in county lines feel trapped and afraid to ask for help. Schools should create safe spaces where students can talk confidentially about concerns.

Ways to do this include:

• Having a dedicated safeguarding officer or mentor available for students.
• Setting up anonymous reporting systems, such as a worry box or online portal.
• Encouraging peer support groups where students can help each other.

Knowing there is someone to turn to can make all the difference.

5. Raising Awareness Among Parents and Carers

Parents and carers need to be educated about county lines so they can protect their children. Schools can:

• Hold workshops or meetings to inform parents about the risks.
• Send out newsletters with advice on spotting warning signs.
• Provide information on where parents can get help if they are worried about their child.

When schools and parents work together, young people are better protected.

6. Encouraging Students to Look Out for Each Other

Peer influence is powerful. Schools should encourage students to support each other by:

• Teaching them to recognise the warning signs in their friends.
• Encouraging them to speak up if they are worried about someone.
• Providing clear guidance on how to report concerns safely.

Young people are more likely to listen to their friends, so empowering them to help each other can be effective.

7. Working with Local Authorities and Charities

Schools do not have to tackle county lines alone. Partnering with organisations such as:

• The Children's Society
• NSPCC
• Crimestoppers and Fearless.org
• Local youth services

These organisations provide resources, advice, and direct support for students at risk.

What Should a Student Do If They Are Worried?

If a student suspects that they or someone they know is involved in county lines, they should:

• Tell a teacher, school counsellor, or safeguarding officer.
• Call Crimestoppers (0800 555 111) or visit Fearless.org to report concerns anonymously.
• Speak to a parent, carer, or trusted adult.
• Reach out to a youth worker or local support service.

Speaking up can help stop exploitation before it gets worse.

Final Thoughts

County lines gangs exploit young people, but schools have the power to educate and protect students. By raising awareness, providing support, and working with the wider community, schools can prevent gang involvement and help those at risk.

Every student deserves to feel safe and informed. If you or someone you know is worried about county lines, don't stay silent help is available.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

• Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
• The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
• Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.