06/04/2025
Thank you for sharing Ky this is so very important. As a mum myself it’s so vital we understand and know what’s going on with our kids lives inside and outside the home
I recently attended two powerful courses on safeguarding and working with trauma in children and young people—and I’m not ashamed to admit, I spent the first hour in tears.
As a counsellor, I’ve learned how to hold space for trauma without letting it break me—because I can’t help my clients if I’m falling apart myself but this training hit me differently. Perhaps it’s because I’m a parent and knowing that kids the same age as mine are being targeted and exploited was absolutely harrowing.
The courses focused on grooming, drug trafficking, and exploitation—and the terrifying truth is, this is happening right now, in our communities and in our children’s schools.
Please take a moment to read and share these signs. This is affecting children as young as 8 years old on our doorstep!
Things to watch for in your child or teen:
1. Withdrawn, low mood, isolating in their room, not quite ‘themselves’.
2. Coming home with new clothes, trainers, or items they couldn’t normally afford.
3. Having more than one phone.
4. Travelling to unfamiliar areas or finding travel tickets for trips you didn’t know about.
5. Spending time with much older individuals or people you don’t recognise.
6. Excessive time online, being secretive about what they’re doing.
7. Being vague or evasive about where they’re going or who they’re with.
Yes, some of this can be normal teenage behaviour—but when something feels ‘off’ please trust your instincts.
Our children are growing up in a world that can be incredibly dangerous. Groomers and traffickers are clever, calculated, and relentless—and kids, just wanting to fit in, can get pulled in before they realise what’s happening.
Please, talk to your children. Ask questions. Stay involved. Know who they’re with and what they’re doing.
If something doesn’t feel right:
• Speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead at your child’s school
• Visit NSPCC or Childline for advice and support
• If you believe your child is in immediate danger, call 999
• You can also report concerns to 101 or to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command)
Our kids are precious. Let’s stay alert, stay connected, and protect them as best we can.
Please share this post to help get the message out to as many parents and carers as possible. It could make all the difference.
