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Warning over teens being recruited by drug-dealing gangs
Posted: 28th March 2019Teenagers have been warned of the dangers of being recruited by drug-dealing gangs.
Year 10 and 11 students and teachers at Forest Hall School worked with theatre company Alter-Ego to learn about the reality of County Lines.
The trend sees gangs deliberately target vulnerable young people and coerce them into dealing or running drugs for them.
The gangs exploit children and young people into selling drugs, often using dedicated mobile phone “lines” to supply drugs to others from across different counties.
Gang members groom young people into doing this work for them by threatening and tricking them into trafficking for them.
A 45-minute production on the topic highlighted the hidden dangers of County Lines to students and gave them the opportunity to ask questions.
Teachers were told the signs to look out for of a young person caught up in County Lines, including being secretive about who they are talking to or where they are going, unexplained absence from school, unexplained additional possessions, disruptive or aggressive behaviour and using sexual, drug or violence related language.
Erin O’Dell, assistant head, personal development, behaviour and welfare, said: “The production was watched by Key Stage 4 students and focused on highlighting the concerns of this prevalent topic. It hopes to educate students, so they are aware of the possible dangers of such involvement and be mindful of the topic in order to protect themselves if approached.”