#LiveSkills

#LiveSkills is a package of resources focusing on live streaming. It explores the nuanced features of live streaming, and the specific risks children and young people can face. Live streaming is increasingly becoming one of the most popular online activities for children and young people and most apps now have live streaming functions.

More information

Vaping

Vaping

In recent years, smoking by young people has been steadily declining, but the production of Vapes is largely replacing traditional smoking with young people. To a greater degree, it is less regulated and is more easily available from multiple shopping outlets as well as online. Vaping is new and so far the impact on people’s health is still being determined, but despite that lack of knowledge there are some shocking concerns. With the lack of regulation, particularly in the online environment, the content of vapes varies massively and can contain illegal substances. An example of this can be taken from a recent operation in Devon and Cornwall where vapes taken from students were found to contain illegal substances.

So one of the greatest concerns we have for young people is that we know they don’t know what is in their Vapes. Whilst they may be smoking with little disregard to the potential health impacts, we need to be educating  and creating safe environments for them.

Latest News

24/02/2025: Vaping ‘more dangerous than smoking’, bombshell first-of-its-kind study reveals – raises risk of THREE deadly diseases

Regularly using e-cigarettes could put users at risk of dementia, heart disease and organ failure, a bombshell study has revealed.

Daily Mail

19/02/2025: 10-year study to shed light on youth vaping

Landmark study to investigate long-term health effects of vaping on young people’s health and wellbeing, alongside wider influences on adolescent health.

Gov.UK

10/02/2025: Wales: Children starting secondary school as vape addicts

Children are starting secondary school already addicted to vaping, a Welsh government minister has said.

BBC News

01/02/2025: Top supermarkets running ‘prohibited’ tobacco ads

Sainsbury’s and Morrisons are displaying adverts for tobacco products in their stores which Trading Standards says are against the law.

BBC News

06/11/2024: What is the UK smoking ban and how many people still smoke?

It will be illegal for anyone currently aged 15 or under to ever buy cigarettes in the UK, under new laws proposed by the government.

BBC News

24/10/2024: Disposable vapes to be banned from June

The sale of single-use disposable vapes will be banned in England and Wales from June next year, the government has confirmed.

BBC News

09/09/2024: Fitness of youngsters who vape ‘is just as bad as smokers of same age’, study reveals

Young vapers perform worse in exercises than their peers who do not use e-cigarettes and record performances similar to smokers the same age, according to a study.

Daily Mail

02/08/2024: Sex abuser used vapes to groom 14-year-old girl

A 14-year-old girl has told the BBC she was sexually abused by an older man who groomed her by posing as a teenager offering to buy her vapes.

BBC

25/07/2024: One in six vapes confiscated at English schools spiked with ‚’zombie drug’

Warning of risk of serious harm as synthetic drug spice found in vapes in 28 of 38 schools tested. One in six vapes confiscated in English schools are spiked with the highly addictive ‘zombie drug’ spice, according to research.

Guardian

24/05/2024: Plans to tackle youth vaping and smoking set to be scrapped ahead of election

Major government plans to tackle youth vaping and smoking, including a ban on the marketing of vaping products aimed at children, look set to be scrapped ahead of the general election.

Children and Young People Now

ASH guidance on developing school policies on vaping

ASH have produced information to support schools in creating a robust policy around vapes in schools including questions to ask to inform wider school policies and ethos

  • Do staff know what they would do if children in Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 are found to be smoking or vaping?
  • Would policy change for children of different ages?
  • Is there a range of sanctions to reflect severity?
  • Do your policies support students if vaping is being used to stop smoking?
  • How do you support children who smoke to stop?
  • Are you in touch with school nurses about these issues?
  • Do these policies align with a wider school ethos? If so, how?

The full document can be viewed here.

Addressing common myths about vaping: Putting the evidence in context

This short brief is to aid responsible reporting of the evidence about vaping and reduce:

  • Repetition of misconceptions as conventional wisdom;
  • Overstating the evidence, with caveats downplayed or missed out;
  • Presenting opinions as facts.

You can read the full document here.

If you are from a school, college, or are a safeguarding lead there are a range of resources developed by ‘Smoke Free Sheffield’ you may find useful including:

  • Two posters which can be displayed where students will see them, such as school toilets, classrooms, canteens, and noticeboards. Both digital and printed versions are available.
  • A short, animated film which can be used in PSHE lessons, form times and assemblies, to start discussions.
  • PowerPoint slides ready for use by teachers in the classroom alongside the animated film to guide discussions.
  • To back up the slides for classroom use is a more detailed slideset for teachers, providing additional information to support educators, answering questions and signposting to additional support.
  • An electronic leaflet designed for parents and carers giving more information about smoking and vaping.

Child Centred Policing EEM learning module

1. Introduction

Welcome to the Child Centred Policing learning module for Exeter, East and Mid Devon. In this short course, we will cover the following:

  • The role of the Youth Engagement officer

  • The role of the Youth Intervention officer

  • The Youth Intervention clinic and Form 370

  • The role of the Youth Justice Service seconded police officers

Our Vision: A youth justice system that sees children as children, treats them fairly and helps them to build on their strengths so they can make a constructive contribution to society. This will prevent offending and create safer communities with fewer victims

Youth Justice Board(‘child first’ approach)

We will ensure our staff adopt a trauma informed approach, understand early intervention will have a significant impact and work with partners to reduce criminalisation of young people. Where circumstances dictate and arrest is justifiable, we will do that in a trauma informed way

Child Centred Policing(NPCC Plan)

2. Youth Engagement officer (YEO)

YIO Contact details

Name Area Tel Email
PC Simon Evans Exmouth 07595 004305 simon.evans2@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
PC Dave Walter Exeter 07525 406243 dave.walter@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
PC Lindsey Aldington Mid Devon 07923 240948 lindsey.aldington@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
4. Form 370/Intervention Clinic

Contact details

Name Based Tel Email
PC Mike Gold Exeter 01392 384978 michael.gold@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
PC Michelle Roberts Exeter 01392 384978 michelle.roberts1@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
6. UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, children and young people have the following rights

  • Article 3 (best interests of the child) – The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all decisions and actions that affect children.
  • Article 12 (respect for the views of the child) Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously.
  • Article 37 (inhumane treatment and detention) Children should be arrested, detained or imprisoned only as a last resort and for the shortest time possible. They must be treated with respect and care.
  • Article 39 (recovery from trauma and reintegration) Children who have experienced neglect, abuse, exploitation, torture or who are victims of war must receive special support to help them recover their health, dignity, self-respect and social life.
  • Article 40 (juvenile justice) A child accused or guilty of breaking the law must be treated with dignity and respect. They have the right to legal assistance and a fair trial that takes account of their age.
7. Complete

Thank you for completing this module. Please complete the form below.

Please select a valid form.

custody complete

Thank you for completing the youth justice training. Please complete the form below.

Custody Complete
CornwallPlymouthDevon (NEW)Devon (EEM)

Cannabis Edibles

What are Cannabis Edibles?

Edibles are food products that may contain cannabis. There are many forms of edibles, including sweets, gummies, and lollipops. They usually contain – or are marketed as containing – several chemicals, many of which are harmful and controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis and can make people feel a range of effects, while cannabidiol (CBD) is the non-psychoactive chemical compound which does not have the same effect. Any CBD product containing THC is illegal in the UK.

The sweet versions are widely available on the internet and via social media and may be easily accessed by young people. The packaging is often deliberately targeted to attract young people. There is NO quality control of these products.

What are the concerns about Cannabis Edibles?

The amount of cannabis in these products can vary greatly and sometimes other harmful drugs are added too. The effects of consuming edibles are unpredictable, and it can be very easy to accidentally take a larger dose. Edibles take between 1-3 hours to have an effect because food is absorbed into the bloodstream through the liver. Because it takes longer, the person taking them may end up consuming larger amounts of the drug while thinking the drug isn’t working. As edibles may look like other products, there is also the risk someone may ingest them without realising they contain drugs – this could include other children in the home.
Displayed side effects may include:
Paranoia, panic attacks, nausea, impaired mobility, hyperactivity, elevated heart rate, hallucinations.

What can you do?

We recommend monitoring food packaging/wrappers, looking for wording such as CBD or THC suggesting the items are cannabis oil infused. (See image right)

For the latest information on drug trends, visit the Frank news page.

Please be mindful of the medical needs should a child present with symptoms, or if you suspect they have consumed a drug-laced substance. In a medical emergency call 999.

Law

Any drug with THC in is classed as a class B under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

If you are made aware of any social media accounts advertising these items, we ask you report this information to the police, school, or log your concerns anonymously using Crime Stoppers.
You can also report any incidents to us online: Devon and Cornwall Police.

Gambling

Gambling

The issue of gambling and young people is evident with an increase in media coverage as well as our own concerns. Whether  it be the addictive nature of loot boxes found in gaming aimed at some of our youngest individuals or also for young adults at university seeking a way out of debt and mounting tuition fees.

Gambling is a health issue. Its addictive qualities easily enthuse and capture individuals into a cycle of debt.

With online games, often initially free to the user, children are spending money through ‘micro transactions’ with a chance to get the thing they really feel they need. The more they spend, the greater opportunity they have. But of course these ‘loot boxes’ are not random and the gamer may never get hold of the thing they need. For students struggling in a time where jobs are less available and the cost of basic items are going up, gambling can feel an attractive option, particularly with their introductory offers of free bets or an amount of money to get you started.

Understanding the mechanics of gambling is essential for young people, particularly as it is so accessible. Even though micros transaction for loot boxes is not  considered gambling by law, they utilise the same temptations of gambling… the chance to win.

Latest News

30/01/2025: Call for age restrictions on video game loot boxes

More regulation is needed to limit gambling-like practices in video games, researchers have warned.

BBC News

17/12/2024: Illegal casinos are using Roblox to draw children into online gambling

A Sky News investigation has found a network of illegal casinos allowing children to gamble using their accounts on the hugely popular children’s game Roblox. In response to our investigation, the Gambling Commission has taken action against the “criminal” websites.

Sky News

07/11/2024: Proportion of children in Great Britain with gambling problem has doubled, data reveals

Gambling Commission figures show shock rise to 85,000 in number of young people suffering gambling harms.

Guardian

01/09/2024: Dangerous play: how online gaming purchases led an Australian youth into a secret gambling addiction

Matthew’s father had no idea his son was even gambling, let alone deep in debt, until he got a terrifying phone call.

Guardian

21/04/2024: UK children bombarded by gambling ads and images online, charity warns

Young people feel their internet activity is overwhelmed by betting promotions and similar content, says GambleAware.

Guardian

Elearning

Gambling Awareness for Professionals18+ only

Provider: Gamcare

published: Free

Gambling awareness course for professionals, volunteers and frontline staff. This course looks at what gambling is, how to identify someone affected by gambling harm as well as the risks, hidden harms and gambling support services available. 18+ only

Gambling Awareness for Young PeopleFor 11-19

Provider: GamCare

published: Free

Gambling awareness course for young people aged 11-19 years old (content aimed at Key Stages 4 and 5 – but available to all ages). This course looks at different types of gambling activities and the law, what problem gambling looks like and how to spot the signs and how to stay safe when gambling.

Understanding and responding to gambling harmsUnderstanding and responding to gambling harms

Provider: Royal Society for Public Health

published: Free

Our free online course, Understanding and responding to gambling harms: A brief guide for professionals, will teach you about gambling disorders and how to support someone affected by gambling harms.

Podcasts

Reducing the odds of gambling harm through PSHEGuidance for teachers

Browser: Link

Apple Podcasts: Link

Google Play: Link

Spotify:

PSHE Association Subject Specialists Anne Bell and Sally Martin are joined by Dr Elly Hanson — an independent clinical psychologist — to explore current trends regarding gambling harms and young people, and offer insight into how schools and teachers can cover this topic effectively through PSHE.

Video

Websites

Be Gamble AwareSupport and advice

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn:

Facebook: Link

YouTube:

When playing online gambling games, it’s easy to lose track of time and money and get lost in the game. Check out our advice and support to stay in control of your gambling.

Big Deal?For young people

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn:

Facebook: Link

YouTube: Link

BigDeal is a place for young people to find information and support related to gambling, either for themselves or for someone they care about. Includes a support helpline.

ChildlineOnline and telephone support helpline

Website: Link

Phone: 0800 1111

LinkedIn:

Facebook: Link

YouTube:

Childline is here to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, our trained counsellors are here to support you. Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night. Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.

The MixThe UK’s leading support service for young people

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn:

Facebook: Link

YouTube: Link

The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people. We are here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing – from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to us via our online community, on social, through our free, confidential helpline or our counselling service.

YGAM Parent HubAdvice for parents

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn:

Facebook:

YouTube:

Whilst the majority of gambling activities are for over 18’s it is still important to educate your children around gambling activities including Informing parents around gambling activities and legislation, educating parents on gambling influences and the effects of gambling and safeguarding their children by holding conversations with their child and identifying potential harms.

YGAM Student HubFor students

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn:

Facebook:

YouTube:

Welcome to YGAM University and Student Page. This is a page to help you find out more about gaming and gambling and the support available to you if you’re worried about yourself or someone else.

Documents

“Surviving, not living”: Lived experiences of crime and gamblingThe report of the Commission on Crime and Gambling Related Harms

Author: Commission on Crime & Gambling Related Harms

Published: 01-01-2023

This report outlines the lived experiences of people in England and Wales who have experienced gambling harms (otherwise referred to as ‘problem gambling’) and have committed gambling-related crime. The research has provided a greater understanding of how gambling harms can be understood, the impact of gambling harms and
the specific experiences of the criminal justice journey.

PDF

How to address gambling through PSHEPSHE Association: One-page briefings

Author: PSHE Association

Published: 01-01-2023

This set of four one-page briefings from the PSHE Association in partnership with GambleAware covers a selection of key content from the teacher handbook under the headings of: Considerations for visitors when working with schools; Considerations when working with gambling education visitors; Why deliver education around gambling?; What is effective gambling education?

PDF

Classroom Resources

Exploring risk in relation to gambling

In partnership with the PSHE Association

Category: Gambling

Audience: KS2

Developed by: PSHE Association/Gamble Aware

Duration (minutes): 60

Keywords: gamble, online, risk, scenarios

GambleAware supports other organisations to develop and produce materials for teachers and youth workers to help young people understand more about the risks of gambling. These are regularly reviewed to ensure we achieve maximum impact and social benefit. Previous materials are available to view on this page.

YGAM Teaching resources

Accessible to teachers and youth facing professionals who have completed the City & Guilds Assured training with Ygam.

Category: Gambling

Audience: KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5

Developed by: YGAM

Duration (minutes): 30+ – 60+

Keywords: gambling, gaming

Teaching materials mapped to curriculum from KS2- KS5/Post 16
Youth work materials
Group activities
1-1 resources and activities

Please note that all resources are intended for use by you the trained professional within your school/setting. They should not be used for commercial gain and should not be shared.

Classroom Resources
Ygam Resources are accessible to teachers and youth facing professionals who have completed the City & Guilds Assured training with Ygam.

You will find here:

  • Teaching materials mapped to curriculum from KS2- KS5/Post 16
  • Youth work materials
  • Group activities
  • 1-1 resources and activities

Please note that all resources are intended for use by you the trained professional within your school/setting.