County Lines: Spotting the signs and supporting young people

Published on 24th February, 2025

Understanding County Lines

County lines refers to criminal gangs exploiting children to transport and sell drugs across different areas, often involving rural or coastal towns that are miles away from major cities. While these crimes are primarily associated with drug trafficking, the impact on the children involved is devastating, and educators play a crucial role in spotting the signs and providing support.

What Are County Lines?

The term “county lines” specifically refers to the telephone lines used by these gangs to coordinate their operations. It is a term used to describe the practice of gangs establishing drug supply routes from cities (often urban areas like London, Manchester, or Birmingham) to smaller towns and rural areas. Children and vulnerable young people are often groomed and coerced into becoming ‘runners’ or ‘mules,’ carrying drugs between locations, sometimes under the threat of violence. These children may be forced to live in unfamiliar places and often face abuse, exploitation, and even physical harm.

Who is at risk from exploitation?

Although any young person could be targeted and exploited, those who are most vulnerable to exploitation often share certain risk factors, such as experiencing a lack of strong family support, living in environments with high levels of deprivation, or facing social isolation. Those with histories of trauma, abuse, or neglect are particularly at risk, as they may be more susceptible to manipulation and grooming by exploitative individuals or groups. Vulnerable young people may also struggle with mental health issues, low self-esteem, or a desire to belong, making them more open to offers of attention, friendship, or financial rewards from exploiters. Additionally, children who are not fully engaged in school, have a history of truancy, or lack positive role models can be more easily targeted by perpetrators, especially if they are looking for an escape from their current situation. Peer pressure, substance misuse, and involvement in risky behaviours can further heighten vulnerability, making it essential to identify and intervene early to protect these young people from exploitation.

How Does County Lines Impact Children?

The impact of county lines on children is profound, and it affects multiple aspects of their lives, including:

Long-Term Consequences: The consequences of being involved in county lines can affect a child’s future for years to come. Their criminal records, if they get caught, can limit their future opportunities, including access to further education and employment.

Mental and Emotional Well-being: Children who are forced into this lifestyle often experience immense psychological trauma. They may be afraid for their safety and the safety of their families, leading to anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Physical Harm: Many children involved in county lines face physical abuse from the gangs who exploit them. They may also be at risk of violence from rival gangs or law enforcement. They may also be coerced or forced to physically harm or attack other children or young people. The fear of serious physical violence as revenge for disrespecting, ‘snitching’ or ‘grassing’ is one of the things that prevents young people from leaving the people exploiting them or seeking help from the police and other agencies. Some children are also forced to transport drugs in ways that are invasive and harmful to their bodies. Young people may be forced to swallow bags of drugs to transport them, which could potentially be life threatening.

Educational Disruption: Children involved in county lines often experience frequent absences from school or college, which can result in falling behind academically. They may also become increasingly disengaged from education due to the stress of their involvement in criminal activities.

How Can Educators Spot the Signs of County Lines?

As trusted adults in children’s lives, educators are in a unique position to recognise the signs of county lines exploitation and provide early intervention. While not all signs may be immediately obvious, there are several indicators that educators can watch out for:

1. Unexplained Absences: If a child begins to frequently miss school or college or shows a sudden change in attendance patterns, it could be a sign that they are involved in activities outside of school that are taking up their time, such as county lines operations.
2. Unusual Behaviours: Children involved in county lines often experience shifts in behaviour. This could manifest as becoming more withdrawn, secretive, or exhibiting signs of anxiety, aggression, or even depression. It may also include having a sudden influx of money or expensive items that cannot be explained. Children or young people could have unexplained luxury items or large sums of money, which are not consistent with their family background or personal finances. These material possessions could be an indication that they are being financially rewarded for their involvement in criminal activity.
3. Social Circle Changes: A child who starts to ‘hang around’ with older individuals or people from outside their normal peer group may be at risk of exploitation. They may also avoid talking about their new friends or get defensive when questioned.
4. Travelling Unexplained Distances: If a child frequently travels long distances, especially to areas outside of their normal routine, it could be an indicator that they are being used for county lines activities. This is especially true if they have no clear reason for travelling or if they are not being supervised.
5. Physical Marks or Bruises: If a child shows signs of physical abuse or has unexplained injuries, it may suggest they are being mistreated by the criminal gangs controlling them. This is a major red flag and should be addressed immediately.
6. Declining School Performance: Children involved in county lines may show a sudden drop in academic performance or become disengaged from learning. They may not complete homework, avoid school altogether, or exhibit lack of concentration in class due to the stress and distraction from their dangerous situation.

What Can Educators Do to Help?

Educators can play a pivotal role in protecting children from the dangers of county lines exploitation. Here are some ways that educators can support children and help prevent county lines involvement:

1. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment: Schools and colleges should strive to create an atmosphere where students feel safe and supported, especially those who may be vulnerable. By offering a trusted adult figure they can turn to, children will be more likely to speak out about their concerns or struggles.
2. Raise Awareness: Educators should be educated themselves about the signs and risks associated with county lines. Training teachers and school staff to recognise these warning signs and understand how to respond appropriately is crucial. It’s also important to educate students about the dangers of exploitation and how to seek help if they or someone they know is at risk.
3. Provide Early Intervention: When signs of county lines involvement are spotted, early intervention is key. Schools and colleges should work with local authorities, social services, and specialist organisations to ensure the child is safe and supported. Referring the child to a support service that can provide counselling, safety plans, and other services is essential in reducing the risk of further harm.
4. Engage with Parents and Carers: Encouraging open communication between schools and colleges  and families can help identify if a child is at risk of exploitation. Educators should approach parents and carers with sensitivity, as families may not be aware of what is happening. Offering resources and support to parents can help protect children outside of school.
5. Collaborate with External Agencies: Under the Prevent agenda in the UK, educators and other professionals have a responsibility to refer individuals to Channel when they believe there is a concern that someone may be vulnerable to being drawn into extremism or terrorism. A referral to Channel should be considered if there are signs of radicalisation or concerning behaviours that suggest an individual may be at risk of being influenced by extremist ideologies, whether related to terrorism or other forms of harmful extremism. Indicators can include changes in behaviour, language, or social networks, such as the adoption of extremist views or justifying violence. If educators are concerned that a child or young person’s beliefs or actions are shifting in a direction that poses a risk to themselves or others, it is crucial to make a referral to Channel. The process involves multi-agency collaboration to provide tailored support and prevent individuals from being drawn into harmful ideologies. Early intervention through the Channel programme can help safeguard vulnerable individuals and provide them with the support they need before they are drawn into dangerous activities.
6. Support Mental Health and Well-being: Offering emotional and psychological support is critical in helping children recover from exploitation. Schools and colleges should have access to mental health professionals who can provide counselling or therapeutic support to children who have been affected by county lines.

Conclusion

County lines is an urgent issue that requires collective action from educators, parents, law enforcement, and communities. Educators are in a vital position to spot the signs of exploitation and offer early intervention. By staying vigilant, fostering open communication, and collaborating with other agencies, schools and colleges can play a critical role in protecting children and supporting those at risk of becoming involved in county lines. The more awareness and action we take, the safer children and young poeple will be from these dangerous and exploitative criminal activities.

Find out more about protecting children from exploitation and county lines.

The Essential Safeguarding Company are able to offer bespoke training for staff and workshops for young people around County Lines, the risks and the consequences.

Please contact us at emma@safeguardingco.co.uk for more information.