01/02/2026
To those that know me, you know my day job is supporting teenagers and young adults at risk of exploitation.
To all parents on my page... please, read on.
County lines is a form of child criminal exploitation.
It means criminal groups use children and teenagers to move drugs or money between areas.
But it does not start with crime.
It starts with attention.
A message. A lift. New trainers. Someone who listens when others do not.
Young people are not pulled in because they want to break the law. They are targeted because they are human. Because they want to belong, feel safe, feel valued, or feel grown up. Exploitation meets a need first, then slowly turns it into control.
Many children do not even realise what is happening. Others know something is wrong, but feel trapped by fear, threats, debt, or worry about their family. Silence is often about survival, not secrecy.
This can happen to any child. Any family. Any community. It does not always look dramatic. Sometimes it looks like mood changes, new phones, sudden money, missed school, or a child pulling away without knowing how to explain why.
Children involved in county lines are not criminals. They are victims of exploitation. Blame and punishment do not keep children safe. Calm, listening, and early support do.
If this helps just one adult understand sooner, notice earlier, or respond more safely, then it's worth sharing this post. Together lets raise more awareness and protect our young people.
