Stop and Search

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What is Stop and Search?

The police have the power to stop and search to protect members of the community. We know being stop and searched can be a scary or annoying process but remember it is an important tool the police have to keep us safe. Remember, stay calm and polite and if you are in doubt of anything that is happening, ask questions.

Being stopped and searched is not the same as being arrested and is not a criminal record, nor something which you need to tell an employer or anyone else about unless you want to. While a record of the search is kept that is not a criminal record and your details are not put on the local or national police systems as any sort of suspect or criminal.

What you can expect?

The officer will tell you their surname and the police station they work at. If they are not in uniform, they must show you their identification.
Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) must be in uniform.

They will tell you what they expect to find. For example, drugs or a weapon.

They will tell you why they are searching you. For example, you match the description of an offender. This cannot be just because of your race age or gender.

The officer will tell you they are legally allowed to search you and they will provide you with a record of the stop and search.

Removing clothing: police powers

In a public place a police officer can ask you to take off your coat, jacket or gloves.

The police can ask you to take off other clothes including anything you’re wearing for religious reasons – eg a veil or turban. If they do, they must take you somewhere private, out of public view.

If the officer wants to remove more than a jacket and gloves they must be the same sex as you.

If you are stopped you should record the details of the officers and what happened:

  • Time and date
  • Officer’s surname and badge number
  • Where were you stopped?
  • What happened?

What can I do if I am unhappy about being Stop and searched?

If you were not happy with why you were stopped and searched or if you were not happy with the way in which you were treated during being stopped and searched you can make a complaint.

This can be done by contacting your police force directly.

Find out more…

The Mix website has more information about Stop and Search and other articles about crime and safety. Click on the image to go to their site.

Trauma Informed

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Understanding vulnerability and being trauma informed ​is a key area of business that Devon & Cornwall police are exploring as part of the evidence based policing being led through the Prevention Department.

We know early intervention is already taking place within policing and with partners. The work which will be undertaken by the Prevention Department will be based on theories such as the Adverse Child Experience, enabling us to identify and safeguard the most vulnerable within our communities and divert them from the Criminal Justice System or from becoming victims. This work will focus on strong and critical partnership working across both public and private sectors.

What are Adverse Child Experiences?

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that can have negative, lasting effects on health and well-being. Studies from the 90’s identified that there are ten Adverse Childhood Experiences which could lead to negative impact on individuals which are:

Physical abuse | Sexual abuse | Emotional abuse | Physical neglect | Emotional neglect | Mother treated violently | Household substance abuse | Household mental illness | Parental separation or divorce | Incarcerated household member

Adverse Childhood Experiences have been linked to:

  • risky health behaviors,
  • chronic health conditions,
  • low life potential, and
  • early death.

As the number of ACEs increases, so does the risk for these outcomes.

Offending

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Most young people will never commit a crime or be involved with the police, but it does happen. If you have or are suspected of having committed a crime, a number of things can happen. On this page, you can find out what options there are, what rights you have and how committing a crime can possibly impact on your future life.

No further action

The police make a decision not to charge the offender. This can be because of lack of evidence or it is not in the public interest to take it further.

Community Resolution

This is usually used for low-level crimes where the offender admits their guilt. Often the victim will agree that they do not wish to take the incident any further, but they can ask to be involved to explain how it affected them. It will not result in a criminal record, but the Youth Offending Service can carry out an assessment and then draw up a plan to help improve the offender’s behaviour.

Youth Caution

If you commit a crime and are over 10 years old, the police can give you a caution, which is like being given a warning. The police are telling you that you have broken the law, but it is not serious enough to be arrested or to go to court. You will usually be cautioned if it is your first offence and you have admitted doing it.

To be given a caution, the police officer must have evidence that you have committed a crime, which has enough evidence that would lead you to being convicted if it went to court. You can only get a caution if you admit to doing it and have not committed any other crime in the past. If you do not admit to it, you can be arrested and charged.

A caution isn’t a criminal conviction, so once it is complete, it is considered finished with , but if you commit further crimes where you end up in court, it can be used as evidence to show that you are repeatedly offending.

10-17 year olds can be given a caution if they admit the offence. A youth caution remains on a your criminal record. It is considered spent (which means you would not have to disclose it for most jobs), but it will appear on an enhanced criminal record check.

Will a caution stop me being able to do things?

If you complete an application, and it asks you if you have committed any crime, you do not have to include this as it is considered spent, but if you are applying for a job and there is a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS), the caution will show and your future employer will be able to consider whether you are the right person for the job.

Youth Conditional Caution

10-17 years olds can be given a youth conditional caution if they admit a criminal offence. Youth conditional cautions are a caution with one or more conditions attached. You have to commit to things the police ask you to do, like getting help for alcohol or drug addiction. If a child does not keep to the conditions they could be prosecuted for the original offence.

Like a caution, It is considered ‘spent’, but it will appear on an enhanced criminal record check.

Will a caution stop me being able to do things?

If you complete an application, and it asks you if you have committed any crime, you do not have to include this as it is considered spent, but if you are applying for a job and there is a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS), the caution will show and your future employer will be able to consider whether you are the right person for the job.

Charge to CourtFor prosecution through the courts

For serious offences, the police and Youth Offending Service may decide that the young person should be charged to appear in court. You are often likely be able to go home until the hearing, but sometimes an offence is so serious that a young person will be kept in custody until the court hearing. You will be given a date to attend court where you and parents or carers are expected to attend court with the young person. If the young person is in care a social worker is expected to attend as well. The Youth Offending Service will advise the court on the best sentence based on their knowledge of the young person. Click on the ‘Court’ tab to find out more.

Custody

If you are involved in a crime, if it is deemed serious enough, you can be taken to custody, it can be a scary experience. This video explains what you can expect.

View video

Going to Court

This video explains what you can expect when going to court.

View video

The court

Youandco.org have created an interactive court so you can see how a court may look when you attend. Click on the image to visit their site.

You can find out a lot more information from the website ‘You and Co’ which provides support for young people going to court, either as offenders, victims or witnesses. Click on the image to go to the court pages on their website.

A court has a number of choices if you are found guilty of committing an offence. Firstly you may receive a custodial sentence.can decide that you receive a custodial sentence. You could be sent to one of the following places:

  • Secure children’s homes:

    For young offenders aged 10 to 14.

  • Secure Training Centres:

    For offenders up to 17 years. They provide education and training and address reasons for your behaviour.

  • Young Offender Institutions: (YOIs):

    For offenders aged 15 to 21 and are run by the Prison service. Like the secure children’s home they provide education and training and address reasons for your behaviour.

Community Sentence

The court may decide that you do not require being sent to a secure location if you are found guilty. They may request the following:

  • Fine

  • Reparation Order:

    This is to get you to understand the consequences of your crime. It may include getting the victim and offender together, or doing community work;

  • Referral Orders:

    If this is your first offence and you admit guilt, you can be referred to a Youth Offender Panel which decides on the best option lasting from 3 to 12 months. Once completed, the offence won’t have to be disclosed when applying for work;

  • Youth Rehabilitation Orders:

    This tells you what can and can’t do for up to three years. It will be in response to the crime you committed and may include things like staying away from a place, a curfew, random drugs testing or a drug addiction treatment. If you fail to comply with these orders, you may go to custody.

  • Absolute Discharge:

    If you admit you’re guilty or are found guilty of an offence, no further action will be taken and you’ll be given an absolute discharge;

  • Conditional Discharge:

    No immediate punishment is given. Instead, a period up to three years is set, and as long as you don’t commit any more offences, there will be no punishment. If you do offend in that time, you can be brought back to court and re-sentenced.

Prison

Young offender institutions are for 15 to 21-year-olds and being sent to one is a challenging experience.

Elearning

TBU

Podcasts

TBU

Video

Websites

County lines and child criminal exploitationFacts and information

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn:

Facebook:

YouTube:

Children as young as six are being forced to carry and sell drugs far away from their homes. They are made to skip school, sleep in drug dens, keep secrets from their loved ones. They are treated as criminals when they often feel trapped in a hopeless situation.

FearlessPart of Crimestoppers

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn:

Facebook: Link

YouTube: Link

Fearless is a site where you can access non-judgemental information and advice about crime and criminality. What makes this site different is we also provide you with a safe place to give information to us about crime – 100% anonymously. Also includes classroom resources

Fully HumanFully Human is the research and development arm of the PSHE Association.

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn:

Facebook:

YouTube:

Fully Human is the research and development arm of the PSHE Association. It’s our place to think, stretch out and join the dots between this fast changing world and what might best support children and young people to navigate it.

The MixCrime & safety information

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn:

Facebook:

YouTube:

Whether you’ve been a victim of a crime, worried about your safety or need to understand your rights The Mix offers non-judgemental legal information and support for young people that’s clear and easy to understand.

The Mix: UK Arrest Rights explainedGuidance and advice

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn:

Facebook:

YouTube:

UK arrest rights lay out exactly how you should be treated if you’ve been taken into custody by the police. Read on to learn more about your rights when arrested.

The Mix: Your stop and search rights in the UKGuidance

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn:

Facebook:

YouTube:

What happens if you’re stopped and searched by the police? What are your rights, and what powers to stop people do the police actually have? Can you refuse a stop and search? Here’s all you need to know to keep you safe.

Documents

Crime and Policing BillInformation relating to the Crime and Policing Bill, which was introduced in the House of Commons on 25 February 2025.

Author: Home Office, Ministry of Justice

Published: 25-02-2025

The Crime and Policing Bill has been laid before Parliament. It includes provisions to introduce: new offences of child criminal exploitation and cuckooing (where a vulnerable person’s home is used by others to commit criminal activity).

More information

Children in custody 2023-24An analysis of 12–18-year-olds’ perceptions of their experiences in secure training centres and young offender institutions.

Author: HM Inspectorate of Prisons

Published: 13-11-2024

More children in custody felt unsafe than last year, and fewer said they were getting any education, according to an annual review by HM Inspectorate of Prisons. The review, which analysed survey findings from children living in young offender institutions (YOIs) and secure training centres (STCs) in England and Wales in 2023-24, found that children spent the majority of their time locked in their cells, with little done to address their offending. When they were able to mix with other children on the wings, this was often marred by conflict and violence.

PDF

The effects of youth clubs on education and crimeUsing quasi-experimental variation from austerity-related cuts, I provide the first causal estimates of youth clubs' effects on education and crime.

Author: Institute of Fiscal Studies

Published: 12-11-2024

Youth clubs are community-based after-school programmes, typically offered free of charge to teenagers in underprivileged neighbourhoods. I provide the first causal estimates of their effects on education and crime, leveraging quasi-experimental variation from austerity-related cuts, which led to the closure of 30% of youth clubs in London between 2010 and 2019.

PDF

Children’s Knowledge and Opinion of SentencingFocuses on a cohort – children over the minimum age of criminal responsibility

Author: Sentencing Academy

Published: 31-10-2024

This report describes the findings from a survey of 1,038 children living in England and Wales aged between 10-17 years, drawn from the general public and conducted in 2023. The research contributes to the literature on the public’s knowledge and opinion of sentencing and this survey follows up an earlier report by the Sentencing Academy, published in January 2022, which explored public knowledge of sentencing practice and trends through a survey of adult respondents.

PDF

Addressing racial disparity in the youth justice systemA report by Revolving Doors that looks at good and promising practice examples that address racial disparity.

Author: Revolving Doors

Published: 24-10-2024

Revolving Doors were commissioned by the Youth Justice Board (YJB) to produce a review of good and promising local practice that is tackling ethnic disparity and over-representation in youth justice across England and Wales.

PDF

Children and Young Persons Policing Strategy 2024 - 2027The strategy is based on three pillars; ‘your trust’, ‘your voice’ and ‘your future’.

Author: National Police Chief’s Council

Published: 18-10-2024

The National Police Chief’s Council have released their proposals for a child centred policing strategy. The report recognises the importance of diverting children and young people from the criminal justice system (CJS) and proposes a strategy to ensure children are seen as children before anything else in encounters with the police.

PDF

How is youth diversion working for children with special educational needs and disabilities?Youth diversion offers many children a pathway out of the criminal justice system

Author: Centre for Justice Innovation

Published: 18-04-2024

Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are hugely over-represented at all points in the criminal justice system. Evidence suggests that 70–90% of children in the justice system have some form of SEND.

PDF

Young Advocates for Youth JusticeA youth-led report about keeping children and young people out of the justice system

Author: Alliance for Youth Justice/Leaders Unlocked

Published: 12-04-2024

The project is led by children and young people who have lived experience of the youth justice system, and who want to be part of a movement to drive positive change around issues that are important to them. The project supports the Young Advocates to play a leadership role and represent children and young people across the country.

PDF

Unmasked and Exposed: The Impact of COVID-19 on the Youth Custodial EstateA Compelling Case for Ideological Change

Author: Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

Published: 03-04-2024

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on custodial institutions has been the subject of intense scrutiny. During the pandemic, many international jurisdictions failed to develop clear and child-focussed plans for the management of children in custody, instead relying on strategies developed for adult populations.

PDF

‘Shattered lives, Stolen Futures’:The Jay Review on Child Criminal Exploitation

Author: Action for Children

Published: 27-03-2024

The facts of criminal exploitation paint a stark picture: tens of thousands of children and young people across the country are controlled and manipulated by criminal gangs, while countless more are at risk. The toll on these young lives is immeasurable, leading to serious physical harm, long-term trauma and criminalisation. Children are paying with their freedom, their childhoods and their lives.

PDF

Classroom Resources

Gangs: Managing risks and staying safe

These lessons help students explore how young people might be recruited into a gang, and consider the choices, risks, and potential consequences for this type of scenario, and ways to get support with gang-related issues.

Category: Crime and ASB

Audience: KS3, KS4

Developed by: Medway/PSHE Association

Duration (minutes): 3×45

Keywords:

The lessons have been developed for Medway schools in partnership with Medway Public Health Directorate, as an update to the original 2018 pack.

More information

Making the right #CyberChoices

A free lesson pack to help upper KS2 pupils make safe cyber choices and prevent them from unknowingly committing cybercrime, as defined under the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

Category: Crime and ASB, Cyber Crime, Online Safety

Audience: KS2

Developed by: NCA/PSHE Association

Duration (minutes): 2 x 30

Keywords:

Making the right #CyberChoices features a series of fictional characters and real-life, age-appropriate scenarios to encourage pupils to think about why young people commit cybercrime, and the potential consequences — for themselves and others. There are also opportunities for pupils to consider how the same skills being used to commit cybercrime could be used in a more positive way.

More information

Preventing Involvement in Serious and Organised Crime

The lesson plans from the Home Office are designed to prevent young people becoming involved in serious and organised crime.

Category: Crime and ASB, Drugs

Audience: KS3

Developed by: Home Office

Duration (minutes): 2×60

Keywords:

The Year 7 lesson will help students recognise unsafe or coercive friendships. The Year 9 lesson explores the impact of serious and organised crime directly, including the example of young people involved in drugs supply with a focus on county lines (transporting drugs across counties).

More information

News

10/03/2025: Howard League responds to the independent review into the placement and care of girls in youth custody

The Howard League has today (Tuesday 4 March) welcomed the government’s announcement to end the practice of placing girls in young offender institutions (YOIs).

The Howard League for Penal Reform

06/03/2025: Girls In Youth Custody

Susannah Hancock’s independent review into placements and care for girls in youth custody.

Russell Webster

06/03/2025: Additional funding made available for solicitors taking on Youth Court legal aid work for more serious offences

On Friday 6th December 2024, a much welcomed legal funding update came into force for Youth Court legal aid work.

Youth Justice Legal Centre

05/03/2025: Government permanently ends detention of girls in YOIs

The government has permanently barred the use of young offender institutions (YOI) to detain girls sentenced to custody.

Children and Young People Now

01/03/2025: Riots response reveals the justice system treating children as adults

A report, Children’s Involvement in the 2024 Riots, has reignited the debate on the adultification of young people in the youth justice system.

Children and Young People Now

01/03/2025: Young abuse witnesses failed

The criminal justice system is currently “ill-equipped to respond to the enormity of the challenge” of meeting the needs of domestic abuse survivors, including children, according to the domestic abuse commissioner for England and Wales Nicole Jacobs.

Children and Young People Now

01/03/2025: Family judge trailblazers aim to address persistent court delays

Five areas are piloting new, local approaches to tackling delays in public law proceedings with emerging evidence they are reducing waiting times and improving outcomes for those children who need it most.

Children and Young People Now

26/02/2025: The NPCC Child Gravity Matrix updated for 2025

The National Police Chief’s Council has updated the Child Gravity Matrix, a triage tool for decision makers in relation to children and young people. The changes to the 60 page document, which replaced the ACPO Gravity Matrix (2013), are highlighted below.

Youth Justice Legal Centre

25/02/2025: Racial Disproportionality In Violence Affecting Children And Young People

Youth Endowment Fund report finds Black children more likely to be affected by violence.

Russell Webster

24/02/2025: The Challenges Facing Resettlement Officers In YOIs

Anne-Marie Day highlights a number of challenges faced by Resettlement Officers in English Young Offender’s Institutions.

Russell Webster

Useful Links

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dcp

Drugs incident in schools

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This advice, developed by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC),  is for school and college staff with responsibility for behaviour management, including designated safeguarding leads (DSLs), their deputies, head teachers and senior leadership teams in schools and colleges in England. The PDF, which contains further information, can be downloaded here.

Drugs

Possession: It is an offence for any person to unlawfully have a controlled drug in their possession.

Supply: It is an offence to either supply, be concerned in the supply, offer to supply or be concerned in making an offer to supply a controlled drug.

The school or college should first establish:

What has happened?

  • Have drugs been found?
  • Who is involved?
  • Are there suspicions of drug dealing?

If drugs are found

  • Is it on school or college premises?
  • Seize the substance — it is legal to possess an illegal substance in order to prevent an offence being committed and then destroy it, or hand it to the police.
  • If the substance needs to be kept pending police collection, then it should be securely stored in the school safe
  • Schools and colleges are allowed to dispose of substances. If this action is taken, a witness must be present and the action recorded.

County Lines

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What is County Lines?

Gangs and organised criminal networks export illegal drugs out of bigger cities into smaller towns.

They use dedicated mobile phone lines to make drug deals.

They can exploit children and vulnerable adults to move and store drugs and money.

They will often use coercion, intimidation, violence and weapons.

Interactive Exploitation resources

Anywhere Kids

Delivered as a collaboration with the Humber Modern Slavery Partnership, Anywhere Kids is an animation created by My Pockets which demonstrates the consequences around being groomed and exploited.

Ryan’s Story (16+)

Ryan’s Story is an interactive film whereby viewers can choose to see what happens next based on the decision that they make on behalf of the main character. The storylines follow paths based on Ryan joining either a local or out of town organised crime group. From there, the character of Ryan wrestles with his conscience and the consequences of the violent world he inhabits.

Chloe’s Story (16+)

Co-written and made with young people, Chloe tells the story of a young girl and her friend groomed online by a dangerous perpetrator.

  • 15 – 16 years old is the most common age of children being used to courier drugs.
  • Both boys and girls are exploited.
  • White British children are targeted.
  • Often social media is used to make initial contact.
  • Class A drug users are often targeted so that gangs can cuckoo them.

Developed with young people, Not In Our Community means working together to protect against grooming and exploitation.

Elearning

Certificate in Understanding County LinesFor school staff

Provider: The National College

published: £80.00

Child exploitation and drugs trafficking are illegal throughout the UK. All school staff should be aware of indicators that children are at-risk from, or are involved in, serious violent crime, including county lines, as part of their statutory safeguarding duties. This course provides you with the knowledge and skills to understand, identify and support children who may be vulnerable to exploitation and at risk of being recruited into county lines.

More information

Child Criminal Exploitation, Gangs and County Lines TrainingUnderstanding of gang issues and county lines

Provider: Virtual College

published: £30.00

Formerly known as Gang Related Issues and County Lines this online Child Criminal Exploitation, Gangs and County Lines training has been designed to give learners a better understanding of gang issues and county lines by looking at these terms, what they mean and the signs and symptoms of abuse. The online CPD approved safeguarding training also looks at Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE), its definition and how to recognise it and much more.

More information

Podcasts

Alcohol and substance useImpact of this on young people’s mental health

Browser: Link

Apple Podcasts:

Google Play:

Spotify:

It will probably come as no surprise that drinking and drug culture is a huge problem for students. Leaving home and gaining independence is a very exciting time for any student but this can come with its own problems and struggles, one of the main ones being the pressure to drink and use substances.

County Lines—breaking chains of abuse & exploitationDisrupting Exploitation Programme

Browser: Link

Apple Podcasts: Link

Google Play:

Spotify:

In this episode Andy McClenaghan is joined by Lucy Dacey, National Programme Manager for The Children’s Society’s Disrupting Exploitation Programme and Bekah Pierre, Professional Officer with BASW England.

Criminal Exploitation and county linesInformation and advice

Browser: Link

Apple Podcasts: Link

Google Play:

Spotify:

In this episode, we discuss criminal exploitation and county lines. The experts are Dave, a parent whose son, Mark, became involved with gangs, and Catherine, a youth justice manager who worked with Dave and Mark and has expertise in gangs and county lines.

Say Why to DrugsInformation and advice

Browser: Link

Apple Podcasts: Link

Google Play:

Spotify: Link

The internet is full of misinformation about recreational drugs – both legal and illegal. Dr Suzi Gage, a psychologist interested in understanding associations between substance use and mental health, tackles one substance per episode.

What should we do about the rise in children vaping?The impact of vaping on young people

Browser: Link

Apple Podcasts: Link

Google Play: Link

Spotify: Link

Madeleine Finlay speaks to former Guardian health editor Sarah Boseley about the rise in vaping among under-18s and what can be done to discourage more children from taking up the habit. She also hears from Prof Linda Bauld about the impact of vaping on young people

Video

Websites

abiandaWorking with young women and girls affected by criminal exploitation and violence

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn: Link

Facebook:

YouTube:

Abianda is a social enterprise that works with young women and girls affected by criminal exploitation and violence and provides training for the professionals who work with them.

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.

County lines (Fearless)Understanding County Lines

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn:

Facebook:

YouTube:

County Lines is a very serious issue where criminal gangs set up a drug dealing operation in a place outside their usual operating area. Gangs will move their drug dealing from big cities (e.g. London, Manchester, Liverpool etc.) to smaller towns in order to make more money. This can have a really big effect on the community who live there and bring with it serious criminal behaviour.

County lines and child criminal exploitationFacts and information

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn:

Facebook:

YouTube:

Children as young as six are being forced to carry and sell drugs far away from their homes. They are made to skip school, sleep in drug dens, keep secrets from their loved ones. They are treated as criminals when they often feel trapped in a hopeless situation.

Fully HumanFully Human is the research and development arm of the PSHE Association.

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn:

Facebook:

YouTube:

Fully Human is the research and development arm of the PSHE Association. It’s our place to think, stretch out and join the dots between this fast changing world and what might best support children and young people to navigate it.

Not In Our Community: Grooming and ExploitationProtect against grooming and exploitation.

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn:

Facebook: Link

YouTube: Link

Developed with young people, Not In Our Community means working together to protect against grooming and exploitation. This website contains education resources for year 6 students and above. Includes county lines materials

Talk to FrankHonest information about drugs

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn:

Facebook:

YouTube:

Home Office Minister Lord Henley said ‘There are so many ways for young people to get information on drugs: through their friends, the internet, TV programmes, films and song lyrics that knowing what’s true and where the dangers lie can be difficult. It is important that young people know that FRANK will always give them free and accurate information and confidential advice whenever they need it.

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.

Youth vaping resourcesCornwall Public Health team

Website: Link

Phone:

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In response to requests for resources on youth vaping, our Public Health team have provided this toolkit aimed at schools, colleges and other professionals who work with children and young people, as well as parents and carers. These resources have been adapted with permission from Sheffield Council who developed them with ASH (Action on Smoking and Health), a public health charity set up by the Royal College of Physicians to end the harm caused by tobacco. The resources are designed to support educators, including PSHE and safeguarding leads, parents, and carers to have evidence-based conversations and enable children and young people to make informed decisions about vaping.

Documents

Alcohol and drug treatment in secure settings 2022 to 2023: reportData

Author: Gov.UK

Published: 26-01-2024

There were 46,551 adults in alcohol and drug treatment in prisons and secure settings between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023. Numbers in treatment have increased 3% year on year for the last 2 years, with 43,607 reported in 2020 to 2021 and 45,096 in 2021 to 2022.

Alcohol and drug treatment in secure settings 2022 to 2023: report

Nitazene (RADAR Alert)Nitazenes overview

Author: RADAR (Scotland)

Published: 01-12-2023

There is an increase in the availability of a new type of synthetic opioid drugs called nitazenes. They are also known as 2-benzyl benzimidazole opioids. Due to their unexpected presence in the drug supply and high potency, nitazenes pose a substantial risk of overdose, hospitalisation and death.

https://www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/media/933537/radar-alert-2023-04-nitazene-type-drugs-in-scotland.pdf

Patterns in alcohol- related violence:Exploring recent declines in alcohol- related violence in England and Wales

Author: Institute of Alcohol Studies

Published: 28-02-2023

This report examines possible explanations for the decline seen in alcohol-related violence – drawing on existing literature exploring: changing patterns in violence (e.g., Farrell et al. 2014), alcohol’s relationship with violence (e.g., Graham & Livingston 2011), and the measurement of violence (e.g., Reiner 2016).

PDF

Recreational use of nitrous oxide —a growing concern for Europe

Author: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA)

Published: 23-01-2023

The purpose of this report is to examine the current situation, risks and responses to the recreational use of nitrous oxide in Europe. To support this, the report also provides a state-of-the-art review of the chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of the gas. It is intended for policymakers and practitioners.

PDF

“I don’t want to go down that road”The harms inflicted on criminally exploited children

Author: Action For Childre

Published:

In March 2024 we published the findings of the Jay Review of Criminally Exploited Children. This is our first piece of follow-up research, which examines the harms caused to exploited children and makes recommendations to ensure that these children can be safeguarded effectively.

PDF

Classroom Resources

Drug and alcohol education

Cover the statutory Health Education requirements with our drug and alcohol lesson packs

Category: Drugs

Audience: KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5

Developed by: PSHE Association

Duration (minutes): 30+

Keywords: drugs, county lines, alcohol

The PSHE Association drug and alcohol schemes of work for key stages 1-4 have been developed for Public Health England. This pack includes lesson plans and resources for each key stage — with knowledge organisers included — as well as a comprehensive teacher guidance document, a briefing on the evidence base underpinning effective drug and alcohol education, and governors’ briefing. Interactive PowerPoint lesson plans are also available, for members of the Association.

More information

Drugs and alcohol education for pupils with SEND

Support pupils with SEND to explore the facts, laws, risks and consequences associated with drug and alcohol use, as well as the dangers of household products and prescribed medications.

Category: Drugs

Audience: SEND

Developed by: PSHE Association

Duration (minutes): <60

Keywords:

These lesson plans and slides are designed to be used flexibly, and can be adapted to meet the needs and abilities of your pupils. Each lesson provides several main activities for you to choose from, which are based on the progression stages outlined in our Planning Framework for Pupils with SEND.

More information

Preventing Involvement in Serious and Organised Crime

The lesson plans from the Home Office are designed to prevent young people becoming involved in serious and organised crime.

Category: Crime and ASB, Drugs

Audience: KS3

Developed by: Home Office

Duration (minutes): 2×60

Keywords:

The Year 7 lesson will help students recognise unsafe or coercive friendships. The Year 9 lesson explores the impact of serious and organised crime directly, including the example of young people involved in drugs supply with a focus on county lines (transporting drugs across counties).

More information

Vaping

KS3 form time activities

Category: Drugs

Audience: KS3

Developed by: Gov.UK

Duration (minutes): -30 mins

Keywords:

In these 3 form time sessions, students learn about social pressures around vaping, its impact, and the effects of nicotine on the adolescent brain.

More information

Vaping year 9 lesson pack

Consequences of vaping and challenging the influences that might encourage young people to vape

Category: Drugs

Audience: KS3

Developed by: PSHE Association

Duration (minutes): 60

Keywords: vaping, consequences, harm

A year 9 lesson exploring the consequences of vaping and challenging the influences that might encourage young people to vape. Designed to follow on from the Year 9 lessons in our existing suite of drug and alcohol education lessons, this lesson will help students understand the impact of influences, influencers and marketing on vaping-related choices and behaviours, explain the consequences of vaping, including the environmental cost of e-cigarettes, analyse ways to challenge influences and misconceptions about vaping

More information

News

25/02/2025: Generation K: The disturbing rise of ketamine abuse among young people

At the urology department of Burnley General Hospital, 26-year-old Ryan (not his real name) is having a drug solution inserted through a catheter – part of his treatment for a condition known as ketamine bladder.

BBC 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: Government launches vaping study and social media campaign on dangers

The government has launched a £62 million study to examine the impact of vaping on young people, amid the trend which has “skyrocketed” in recent years.

Children and Young People Now

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

05/02/2025: ‘Alarming’ rise in strong illicit nicotine pouches

High strength nicotine pouches that are being sold illegally in the UK could cause inadvertent overdosing and harm to teenagers and young adults, experts have warned.

BBC News

05/12/2024: Welcome Rise Of Numbers In Drug & Alcohol Treatment

2023/24 treatment stats show welcome (7%) rise in numbers in drug & alcohol treatment.

Russell Webster

25/11/2024: ‘I had no idea being a social drinker would damage my liver by 31’

At 31 years old, I was told by doctors that if I didn’t stop drinking alcohol, I could die.

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

04/11/2024: ‘I wish I’d never taken it’: More young people seeking rehab as ketamine addiction spirals in the UK

Casey Innalls was left in excruciating pain and was hospitalised for 12 days with a condition known as k-bladder

Independent

31/10/2024: Students taught about spiking dangers in new campaign

Students are being taught about the dangers of drink spiking using goggles that simulate how it might feel to be drugged.

BBC News

Drugs wiki

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Tranquilisers

Tranquilisers

Xanax, Vallies, Rugby Balls, Roofies, Rohypnol, Norries, Moggies, Mazzies, Jellies, Eggs, Downers, Blues, Benzos, Benzodiazepines, Valium, Diazepam

Tranquillisers can induce periods of calmness, relaxation and sleep, and are used to treat anxiety and insomnia. In medicine, tranquillisers are used to treat anxiety and insomnia. In the club scene, tranquillisers are often used as chill-out drugs, and to help people sleep after taking stimulants. Some people use them to help come down off acid, cocaine, speed or ecstasy. Using tranquillisers can be risky, and especially dangerous if you mix them with other depressant drugs like heroin or alcohol.

Xanax

Xanax is an anti-anxiety medication. It can make you feel sleepy, relaxed and tired quite quickly, it is 20 times stronger than valium.

Xanax is very addictive and you can become physically dependant on it. There has been an increase in young people going to hospital due to taking Xanax.

Xanax can cause blackouts and put you at risk of sexual assault and other crimes.

The Law

Tranquillisers are controlled under Class C of the Misuse of Drugs Act. Unauthorised possession (i.e. without a prescription) could result in a prison sentence of up to 2 years and an unlimited fine.

Supplying, which includes giving some to your friends, could mean up to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine.

A conviction for a drug-related offence could have a pretty serious impact. It can stop you visiting certain countries – for example the United States – and limit the types of jobs you can apply for.

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Poppers

Poppers

TNT, Thrust, Rock Hard, Ram, Liquid Gold, Kix, Amyls

Poppers are not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, but amyl nitrite is regulated under the Medicines Act 1968 and there have been cases where the Medicines Act was used to fine shops for selling poppers. Poppers are also covered by general consumer protection legislation.

Possession is not illegal but supply can be an offence.

Poppers are not covered by the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.

The Law

Poppers are not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, but amyl nitrite is regulated under the Medicines Act 1968 and there have been cases where the Medicines Act was used to fine shops for selling poppers. Poppers are also covered by general consumer protection legislation.

Possession is not illegal but supply can be an offence.

Poppers are not covered by the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.

NPS

New Psychoactive Substance

NPS, MDAT, Eric 3, Dimethocaine, Bath Salts, Legal Highs

New psychoactive substances – often incorrectly called legal highs – contain one or more chemical substances which produce similar effects to illegal drugs (like cocaine, cannabis and ecstasy).

The main effects of almost all psychoactive drugs, can be described using four main categories, stimulants,‘downers’ or sedatives, psychedelics or hallucinogens and synthetic cannabinoids.

The Law

Although some of these so-called ‘legal highs’ were legal in the past, since the Psychoactive Substances Act came into effect on 26 May 2016, none of these drugs are legal to produce, supply or import (even for personal use, e.g. over the internet) for human consumption.

This includes selling them or giving them away for free (even to friends) when they are going to be taken to get high.

The ‘legal highs’ that were made illegal as class A, B or C drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act, are still covered by that legislation. All other psychoactive substances not currently covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act will fall under the Psychoactive Substances Act.

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LSD

LSD

Window, Trips, Tab, Stars, Smiles, Rainbows, Paper Mushrooms, Micro Dot, Lucy, Liquid Acid, Lightning Flash, L, Hawk, Flash, Drop, Dots, Cheer, Blotter, Acid

LSD stands for its chemical name, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, and is commonly called ‘acid’. It’s a powerful hallucinogenic drug – this means that users are likely to experience a distorted view of objects and reality, including seeing and sometimes hearing things that aren’t there (these are hallucinations). The experience of taking lsd is known as a ‘trip’.

Time and movement can appear to speed up and slow down. Colour, sound and objects can get distorted and you can experience double vision.

These distortions of your senses can be quite unpredictable, sometimes pleasant, but sometimes very frightening (these are called ‘bad trips’).

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The Law

LSD Is A Class A Drug, So It’s Illegal To Have For Yourself, Give Away Or Sell. Possession Is Illegal And Can Get You Up To Seven Years In Jail And/Or An Unlimited Fine.

Supplying someone else, even your friends, can get you up to life imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

If the Police catch you with LSD, they’ll always take some action. This could include a formal caution, arrest and prosecution.

A conviction for a drug-related offence could have a pretty serious impact. It can stop you visiting certain countries – for example the United States – and limit the types of jobs you can apply for.

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Ketamine

Ketamine

Vitamin K, Super K, Special K, K, Green, Donkey Dust

Ketamine is a powerful general anaesthetic which stops you feeling pain and it’s used for operations on humans and animals.

The effects don’t last long, but until they wear off, ketamine can cause a loss of feeling in the body and paralysis of the muscles. It can also lead to you experiencing a distortion of reality.

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The Law

Ketamine is a Class B drug – it’s illegal to have for yourself, give away or sell. Possession is illegal whatever you’re using it for, including pain relief.

Supplying your mates, even if you give it away, is also considered ‘supplying’ under the law.

If the Police catch you with Ketamine you could be arrested, have a formal caution, a  penalty notice  and a possible conviction.

A conviction for a drug-related offence could have a pretty serious impact. It can stop you visiting certain countries – for example the United States – and limit the types of jobs you can apply for.

hols
Mephedrone

Mephedrone

White Magic, Miaow, Meph, Meow Meow, MC, M-Smack, M-Cat, Charge, Bubble, Bounce, 4-MMC

Mephedrone is a powerful stimulant. The main effects and risks of mephedrone include euphoria, alertness and feelings of affection towards the people  around you, but you can also have feelings of anxiety and paranoia.

Mephedrone, or meow meow, can also overstimulate your heart and circulation; and can overstimulate your nervous system, with risk of fits.

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The Law

Mephadrone is a Class B drug – it’s illegal to have for yourself, give away or sell. Possession is illegal whatever you’re using it for, including pain relief.

Supplying your mates, even if you give it away, is also considered ‘supplying’ under the law.

If the Police catch you with Mephadrone you could be arrested, have a formal caution, a  penalty notice  and a possible conviction.

A conviction for a drug-related offence could have a pretty serious impact. It can stop you visiting certain countries – for example the United States – and limit the types of jobs you can apply for.

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Heroin

Heroin

Smack, Skag, Horse, H, Gear, Brown

Heroin is a drug made from morphine. A small dose gives the user a feeling of warmth and well-being, bigger doses can make you sleepy and very relaxed, but the first dose of heroin can bring about dizziness and vomiting.

‘Street’ heroin sold as ‘brown’ is sometimes now used by clubbers as a chill out drug after a big night out.

Heroin is highly addictive and people can quickly get hooked.

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The Law

Heroin is a class A drug, so it’s illegal to have for yourself, give away or sell. Possession is illegal and can get you up to seven years in jail and/or an unlimited fine.

Supplying someone else, even your friends, can get you up to life imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

If the Police catch you with heroin, they’ll always take some action. This could include a formal caution, arrest and prosecution.

A conviction for a drug-related offence could have a pretty serious impact. It can stop you visiting certain countries – for example the United States – and limit the types of jobs you can apply for.

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Ecstasy

Ecstasy

XTC, Superman, Rolexs, Pink Superman, Pills, Mitsubishi’s, MDMA, Mandy, E, Dolphins, Crystal, Cowies, Brownies

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Ecstasy (Also known by it’s Chemical Name, MDMA) gives an energy buzz that makes people feel alert, alive, in tune with their surroundings, and with sounds and colours often experienced as more intense.

Clubbers take ecstasy to feel energised and happy.

Users often develop temporary feelings of love and affection for the people they’re with and for the strangers around them.

The effects take about half an hour to kick in and tend to last between 3 to 6 hours, followed by a gradual comedown.

The Law

Ecstasy is a class A drug, so it’s illegal to have for yourself, give away or sell. Possession is illegal and can get you up to seven years in jail and/or an unlimited fine.

Supplying someone else, even your friends, can get you up to life imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

If the Police catch you with Ecstasy, they’ll always take some action. This could include a formal caution, arrest and prosecution.

A conviction for a drug-related offence could have a pretty serious impact. It can stop you visiting certain countries – for example the United States – and limit the types of jobs you can apply for.

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Cocaine

Cocaine

White, Wash, Toot, Stones, Snow, Rocks, Percy, Pebbles, Freebase, Crack, Coke, Chiang, Charlie, Chang

‘Coke’ Is A White Powder. ‘Crack’ Is A Form Of Cocaine Made Into Small Lumps Or Rocks That Makes A Cracking Noise When Burnt.

Taking cocaine makes users feel on top of the world, wide-awake, confident and on top of their game – but some people are over-confident on it and so may take very careless risks. The effects of crack smoking are virtually immediate, peaking for about two minutes and lasting for only about 10 minutes.

When the effects of any cocaine use start to wear off there can be a very strong temptation to take more.

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The Law

‘Coke’, ‘freebase’ and ‘crack’ are all Class A drugs – that means they’re illegal to have, give away or sell.Possession can get you up to seven years in jail, but supplying someone else, including your friends, can get you life and an unlimited fine.

If the Police catch you with cocaine, they’ll always take some action. This could include a formal caution, arrest and prosecution.

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Cannabis

Cannabis

Weed, Skunk, Sense, Puff, Marijuana, Hash, Grass, Dope, Bhang

Cannabis is a naturally occurring drug which can make you feel very chilled out, happy and relaxed. A big myth about cannabis is that it’s safe because it’s natural. Cannabis has some very real effects on your mood, as well as creating longer-term problems.

It’s the most widely-used illegal drug in Britain, although the numbers of people using it are falling. Cannabis is naturally occurring – it is made from the cannabis plant.

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The Law

Cannabis is a Class B drug – it’s illegal to have for yourself, give away or sell. Possession is illegal whatever you’re using it for, including pain relief.

Supplying your mates, even if you give it away, is also considered ‘supplying’ under the law.

If the Police catch you with cannabis you could be arrested, have a formal caution, a  penalty notice  and a possible conviction.

A conviction for a drug-related offence could have a pretty serious impact. It can stop you visiting certain countries – for example the United States – and limit the types of jobs you can apply for.

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.

Cigarettes

Cigarettes

Cigarettes contain Nicotine, which is highly addictive. Nicotine alters the balance of two chemicals, called Dopamine and Noradrenaline, in your brain. When nicotine changes the levels of these chemicals, your mood and concentration levels change. Many smokers find this enjoyable.

The changes happen very quickly. When you inhale the nicotine, it immediately rushes to your brain, where it produces feelings of pleasure and reduces stress and anxiety. This is why many smokers enjoy the nicotine rush and become dependent on it.

Most people start smoking when they are in their teens and are addicted by the time they reach adulthood.

Smoking can cause many long-term health problems.

Health
Effects

E-Cigarettes

  • E-cigarettes produce a vapour, that contains nicotine.
  • Unlike normal cigarettes, you can use E-cigarettes in places where smoking is not allowed.
  • The ingredients of E-cigarettes are often unknown.
  • The long term health effects are unknown, but there are a number of deaths that have been linked to E-cigarettes

The Law

  • It’s against the law to sell cigarettes, tobacco or tobacco products to under 18s.
  • All large shops and supermarkets in England now need to cover up cigarettes and hide tobacco products from public view.
  • Smoking in public is against the law. This does not include E cigarettes.
Alcohol

Alcohol

Alcohol is the most popular social drug for many people. It helps us relax, can make us more comfortable in difficult social situations and can help us forget about tough problems in our lives.

Excessive alcohol use can lead to problems, such as losing control and also to long term health problems.

Alcohol Units

Alcohol units vary between drinks, meaning you could drink a small shot of spirits or a large bottle of beer and the amount of alcohol in them may be the same, in fact there could be more in the small shot.

Each unit is an amount of alcohol and the more you have, the more drunk you will become. This will initially affect your mood, but long term excessive drinking will impact your health.

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14 is the recommended number of units per person per week.

Health
Effects

The Law

If you’re 16 or under, you may be able to go to a pub (or premises primarily used to sell alcohol) if you’re accompanied by an adult. However, this isn’t always the case. It can also depend on:

  • the specific conditions for that premises
  • the licensable activities taking place there

If you’re under 18, it is against the law:

  • for someone to sell you alcohol
  • to buy or try to buy alcohol
  • for an adult to buy or try to buy alcohol for you
  • to drink alcohol in licensed premises (eg a pub or restaurant)

However if you’re 16 or 17 and accompanied by an adult, you can drink (but not buy) beer, wine or cider with a meal.

If you’re under 18 and drinking alcohol in public, you can be stopped, fined or arrested by police.

It’s illegal to give alcohol to children under 5.

Drugs

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Elearning

Certificate in Understanding County LinesFor school staff

Provider: The National College

published: £80.00

Child exploitation and drugs trafficking are illegal throughout the UK. All school staff should be aware of indicators that children are at-risk from, or are involved in, serious violent crime, including county lines, as part of their statutory safeguarding duties. This course provides you with the knowledge and skills to understand, identify and support children who may be vulnerable to exploitation and at risk of being recruited into county lines.

More information

Child Criminal Exploitation, Gangs and County Lines TrainingUnderstanding of gang issues and county lines

Provider: Virtual College

published: £30.00

Formerly known as Gang Related Issues and County Lines this online Child Criminal Exploitation, Gangs and County Lines training has been designed to give learners a better understanding of gang issues and county lines by looking at these terms, what they mean and the signs and symptoms of abuse. The online CPD approved safeguarding training also looks at Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE), its definition and how to recognise it and much more.

More information

Podcasts

Alcohol and substance useImpact of this on young people’s mental health

Browser: Link

Apple Podcasts:

Google Play:

Spotify:

It will probably come as no surprise that drinking and drug culture is a huge problem for students. Leaving home and gaining independence is a very exciting time for any student but this can come with its own problems and struggles, one of the main ones being the pressure to drink and use substances.

County Lines—breaking chains of abuse & exploitationDisrupting Exploitation Programme

Browser: Link

Apple Podcasts: Link

Google Play:

Spotify:

In this episode Andy McClenaghan is joined by Lucy Dacey, National Programme Manager for The Children’s Society’s Disrupting Exploitation Programme and Bekah Pierre, Professional Officer with BASW England.

Criminal Exploitation and county linesInformation and advice

Browser: Link

Apple Podcasts: Link

Google Play:

Spotify:

In this episode, we discuss criminal exploitation and county lines. The experts are Dave, a parent whose son, Mark, became involved with gangs, and Catherine, a youth justice manager who worked with Dave and Mark and has expertise in gangs and county lines.

Say Why to DrugsInformation and advice

Browser: Link

Apple Podcasts: Link

Google Play:

Spotify: Link

The internet is full of misinformation about recreational drugs – both legal and illegal. Dr Suzi Gage, a psychologist interested in understanding associations between substance use and mental health, tackles one substance per episode.

What should we do about the rise in children vaping?The impact of vaping on young people

Browser: Link

Apple Podcasts: Link

Google Play: Link

Spotify: Link

Madeleine Finlay speaks to former Guardian health editor Sarah Boseley about the rise in vaping among under-18s and what can be done to discourage more children from taking up the habit. She also hears from Prof Linda Bauld about the impact of vaping on young people

Video

Websites

abiandaWorking with young women and girls affected by criminal exploitation and violence

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn: Link

Facebook:

YouTube:

Abianda is a social enterprise that works with young women and girls affected by criminal exploitation and violence and provides training for the professionals who work with them.

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.

County lines (Fearless)Understanding County Lines

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn:

Facebook:

YouTube:

County Lines is a very serious issue where criminal gangs set up a drug dealing operation in a place outside their usual operating area. Gangs will move their drug dealing from big cities (e.g. London, Manchester, Liverpool etc.) to smaller towns in order to make more money. This can have a really big effect on the community who live there and bring with it serious criminal behaviour.

County lines and child criminal exploitationFacts and information

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn:

Facebook:

YouTube:

Children as young as six are being forced to carry and sell drugs far away from their homes. They are made to skip school, sleep in drug dens, keep secrets from their loved ones. They are treated as criminals when they often feel trapped in a hopeless situation.

Fully HumanFully Human is the research and development arm of the PSHE Association.

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn:

Facebook:

YouTube:

Fully Human is the research and development arm of the PSHE Association. It’s our place to think, stretch out and join the dots between this fast changing world and what might best support children and young people to navigate it.

Not In Our Community: Grooming and ExploitationProtect against grooming and exploitation.

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn:

Facebook: Link

YouTube: Link

Developed with young people, Not In Our Community means working together to protect against grooming and exploitation. This website contains education resources for year 6 students and above. Includes county lines materials

Talk to FrankHonest information about drugs

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn:

Facebook:

YouTube:

Home Office Minister Lord Henley said ‘There are so many ways for young people to get information on drugs: through their friends, the internet, TV programmes, films and song lyrics that knowing what’s true and where the dangers lie can be difficult. It is important that young people know that FRANK will always give them free and accurate information and confidential advice whenever they need it.

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.

Youth vaping resourcesCornwall Public Health team

Website: Link

Phone:

LinkedIn:

Facebook:

YouTube:

In response to requests for resources on youth vaping, our Public Health team have provided this toolkit aimed at schools, colleges and other professionals who work with children and young people, as well as parents and carers. These resources have been adapted with permission from Sheffield Council who developed them with ASH (Action on Smoking and Health), a public health charity set up by the Royal College of Physicians to end the harm caused by tobacco. The resources are designed to support educators, including PSHE and safeguarding leads, parents, and carers to have evidence-based conversations and enable children and young people to make informed decisions about vaping.

Documents

Alcohol and drug treatment in secure settings 2022 to 2023: reportData

Author: Gov.UK

Published: 26-01-2024

There were 46,551 adults in alcohol and drug treatment in prisons and secure settings between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023. Numbers in treatment have increased 3% year on year for the last 2 years, with 43,607 reported in 2020 to 2021 and 45,096 in 2021 to 2022.

Alcohol and drug treatment in secure settings 2022 to 2023: report

Nitazene (RADAR Alert)Nitazenes overview

Author: RADAR (Scotland)

Published: 01-12-2023

There is an increase in the availability of a new type of synthetic opioid drugs called nitazenes. They are also known as 2-benzyl benzimidazole opioids. Due to their unexpected presence in the drug supply and high potency, nitazenes pose a substantial risk of overdose, hospitalisation and death.

https://www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/media/933537/radar-alert-2023-04-nitazene-type-drugs-in-scotland.pdf

Patterns in alcohol- related violence:Exploring recent declines in alcohol- related violence in England and Wales

Author: Institute of Alcohol Studies

Published: 28-02-2023

This report examines possible explanations for the decline seen in alcohol-related violence – drawing on existing literature exploring: changing patterns in violence (e.g., Farrell et al. 2014), alcohol’s relationship with violence (e.g., Graham & Livingston 2011), and the measurement of violence (e.g., Reiner 2016).

PDF

Recreational use of nitrous oxide —a growing concern for Europe

Author: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA)

Published: 23-01-2023

The purpose of this report is to examine the current situation, risks and responses to the recreational use of nitrous oxide in Europe. To support this, the report also provides a state-of-the-art review of the chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of the gas. It is intended for policymakers and practitioners.

PDF

“I don’t want to go down that road”The harms inflicted on criminally exploited children

Author: Action For Childre

Published:

In March 2024 we published the findings of the Jay Review of Criminally Exploited Children. This is our first piece of follow-up research, which examines the harms caused to exploited children and makes recommendations to ensure that these children can be safeguarded effectively.

PDF

Classroom Resources

Drug and alcohol education

Cover the statutory Health Education requirements with our drug and alcohol lesson packs

Category: Drugs

Audience: KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5

Developed by: PSHE Association

Duration (minutes): 30+

Keywords: drugs, county lines, alcohol

The PSHE Association drug and alcohol schemes of work for key stages 1-4 have been developed for Public Health England. This pack includes lesson plans and resources for each key stage — with knowledge organisers included — as well as a comprehensive teacher guidance document, a briefing on the evidence base underpinning effective drug and alcohol education, and governors’ briefing. Interactive PowerPoint lesson plans are also available, for members of the Association.

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Drugs and alcohol education for pupils with SEND

Support pupils with SEND to explore the facts, laws, risks and consequences associated with drug and alcohol use, as well as the dangers of household products and prescribed medications.

Category: Drugs

Audience: SEND

Developed by: PSHE Association

Duration (minutes): <60

Keywords:

These lesson plans and slides are designed to be used flexibly, and can be adapted to meet the needs and abilities of your pupils. Each lesson provides several main activities for you to choose from, which are based on the progression stages outlined in our Planning Framework for Pupils with SEND.

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Preventing Involvement in Serious and Organised Crime

The lesson plans from the Home Office are designed to prevent young people becoming involved in serious and organised crime.

Category: Crime and ASB, Drugs

Audience: KS3

Developed by: Home Office

Duration (minutes): 2×60

Keywords:

The Year 7 lesson will help students recognise unsafe or coercive friendships. The Year 9 lesson explores the impact of serious and organised crime directly, including the example of young people involved in drugs supply with a focus on county lines (transporting drugs across counties).

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Vaping

KS3 form time activities

Category: Drugs

Audience: KS3

Developed by: Gov.UK

Duration (minutes): -30 mins

Keywords:

In these 3 form time sessions, students learn about social pressures around vaping, its impact, and the effects of nicotine on the adolescent brain.

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Vaping year 9 lesson pack

Consequences of vaping and challenging the influences that might encourage young people to vape

Category: Drugs

Audience: KS3

Developed by: PSHE Association

Duration (minutes): 60

Keywords: vaping, consequences, harm

A year 9 lesson exploring the consequences of vaping and challenging the influences that might encourage young people to vape. Designed to follow on from the Year 9 lessons in our existing suite of drug and alcohol education lessons, this lesson will help students understand the impact of influences, influencers and marketing on vaping-related choices and behaviours, explain the consequences of vaping, including the environmental cost of e-cigarettes, analyse ways to challenge influences and misconceptions about vaping

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News

25/02/2025: Generation K: The disturbing rise of ketamine abuse among young people

At the urology department of Burnley General Hospital, 26-year-old Ryan (not his real name) is having a drug solution inserted through a catheter – part of his treatment for a condition known as ketamine bladder.

BBC 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: Government launches vaping study and social media campaign on dangers

The government has launched a £62 million study to examine the impact of vaping on young people, amid the trend which has “skyrocketed” in recent years.

Children and Young People Now

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

05/02/2025: ‘Alarming’ rise in strong illicit nicotine pouches

High strength nicotine pouches that are being sold illegally in the UK could cause inadvertent overdosing and harm to teenagers and young adults, experts have warned.

BBC News

05/12/2024: Welcome Rise Of Numbers In Drug & Alcohol Treatment

2023/24 treatment stats show welcome (7%) rise in numbers in drug & alcohol treatment.

Russell Webster

25/11/2024: ‘I had no idea being a social drinker would damage my liver by 31’

At 31 years old, I was told by doctors that if I didn’t stop drinking alcohol, I could die.

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

04/11/2024: ‘I wish I’d never taken it’: More young people seeking rehab as ketamine addiction spirals in the UK

Casey Innalls was left in excruciating pain and was hospitalised for 12 days with a condition known as k-bladder

Independent

31/10/2024: Students taught about spiking dangers in new campaign

Students are being taught about the dangers of drink spiking using goggles that simulate how it might feel to be drugged.

BBC News

Social Networks

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Social networks are ways of bringing people together using technology to informally (‘socially’) communicate (‘network’). There are loads of social networks out there and you should be a certain age to use some of them.

Lots of social networks have privacy settings which are tools that you can use to help control who sees the information that you share online. Most social networks also have ‘report abuse’ and ‘block’ tools to help you take control of how others behave towards you.

Any information you share online like photos, videos or comments can stay online for a very long time. When you share something online other people can copy it which means that they then have control of it. This means that even if you delete something you’ve shared, someone else might have it.

Reporting and blocking

If you’re using social networks find out how you can report and block people. If someone is doing or saying something that you don’t like or if they’re making you feel scared or uncomfortable, it’s up to you what you do depending on how you feel, but you can report them online, save the evidence, block them and tell an adult you trust.

Remember that you can choose your online and offline friends. If you don’t want to be friends with someone online anymore, remove them from your social networks.

Online friends

Offline the world is filled with a whole range of people some of them nice, some of them mean, some of them just plain dangerous. Online it’s just the same so it’s smart to be careful when choosing your online friends.

Keeping secrets can be fun but some secrets can be dangerous. If a stranger or a friend you have only met online asks you to keep a secret then you need to tell an adult you trust straight away because they might not be who they say they are. People who respect you will never ask you to keep secrets from other people who are close to you like your friends and family.

Sharing information

Technology means that the things we share online can be seen by lots of people. Information can also be shared really quickly. It’s always smart to think before you post. Ask yourself what could happen if other people like your family or your teachers saw what you were sharing online.

General things to think about for you and your family

Use the tools available to keep your family and your devices safer

Set up parental controls. Some systems have them built in and are free, others you can pay for. You may want to look at several options and decide what’s best for your family.
Keep your technology (including phones) up to date with security software.
Use strong passwords that include letters, numbers and symbols and use different passwords for different accounts.
If you’re using social networks, check out the privacy settings and make sure they are activated.
Report online abuse.

Be careful of what you share online

Read the terms and conditions for social networks. There might be a lot there to read but you could be agreeing to hand over control of your online content if you don’t.
Never share personal information like phone numbers or email addresses online.
Be cautious about the type of information you might be sharing with people you only know online.
Be careful about the types of images you post and share as once they are out there you’ve pretty much lost control of that content.
Use webcams carefully. If you’re talking with people you know and trust offline you may be confident, but remember that webcam ‘conversations’ can always be recorded.

Create a great online reputation

Our children learn things from us so how we as adults behave online affects how our children behave. In terms of your own online reputation, nearly all of the advice for children is relevant for adults.

Search for yourself and members of your family online. This will help you manage what information is available about you in the public domain.
Treat others online as you would like to be treated.
Delete old accounts that you’re no longer using.
Be careful what you share.
Know who you’re sharing information with.
Understand that whatever you share online you might lose control of.
Always report abuse.

General family online safety advice

For general online safety advice we recommend a trip to Get Safe Online.

Staying safer in social networks

  • Use privacy settings – they’re there to protect you not restrict you. A guide to setting your privacy settings has been published by ParentInfo
  • Some websites ask you to use your real name but you may be able to choose a username too. Use a nickname if you can.
  • Avoid using a picture of yourself for your profile – use a picture of something you like instead.
  • Don’t include personal details in your profile, like your phone number, your email address or home address.
  • Read the small print. For lots of social networks you have to sign up certain things, and some of those things could include rights to share what you’re posting online. Know what you’re signing up for.
  • Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know offline. If you are going to accept them, be very careful about what information you share with them.
  • Find out how you can report people on the websites you’re using.
  • Block someone if they are being mean or sending you things you don’t like.
  • Only ever speak with someone on a webcam if you know and trust them offline.
  • Remember that what someone does on a webcam can be recorded.
  • Say no to things you don’t want to do. If you don’t want to go on a webcam you don’t have to. If someone is cool they’ll respect that.
  • Listen to yourself. If a person or situation online doesn’t feel right trust your instincts and speak to someone offline who you trust for advice and help.
  • To find out more about staying safe in social networks check out Think You Know and Childline.

The following parental control checklists have been created by the South West Grid for Learning…

Click on the following logos to access the safety/support areas for each social network.

twitter-3
snapchat

Sextortion

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Sextortion is a form of revenge porn that employs non-physical forms of coercion to extort sexual favours from the victim.

You can also get help from:

What to do if you’re a victim of sextortion

If someone threatens to share explicit images of you unless you pay them money:

  1. Dont panic. Contact your local police and internet service provider immedaitely. The police will take your case seriously, will deal with it in confidence and will not judge you for being in this situation.
  2. Don’t communicate further with the criminals. Take screen shots of all your communication. Suspend your Facebook account (but don’t delete it) and use the online reporting process to report the matter to Skype, YouTube etc. to have any video blocked and to set up an alert in case the video resurfaces. Deactivating the Facebook account temporarily rather than shutting it down will mean the data are preserved and will help police to collect evidence. The account can also be reactivated at any time so your online memories are not lost forever. Also, keep an eye on all the accounts which you might have linked in case the criminals try to contact you via one of those.
  3. Don’t pay. Many victims who have paid have continued to get more demands for higher amounts of money. In some cases, even when the demands have been met the offenders will still go on to post the explicit videos. If you have already paid, check to see if the money has been collected. If it has, and if you are able, then make a note of where it was collected from. If it hasn’t, then you can cancel the payment – and the sooner you do that the better.
  4. Preserve evidence. Make a note of all details provided by the offenders, for example; the Skype name (particularly the Skype ID), the Facebook URL; the Western Union or MoneyGram Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN); any photos/videos that were sent, etc. Be aware that the scammer’s Skype name is different to their Skype ID, and it’s the ID details that police will need. To get that, right click on their profile, select ‘View Profile’ and then look for the name shown in blue rather than the one above it in black. It’ll be next to the word ’Skype’ and will have no spaces in it. DO NOT DELETE ANY CORRESPONDENCE.

Sending nudes

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Sending nudes, or sexting are the words used to describe the sharing of personal sexual content electronically (Youth Produced Sexual Imagery). The word is a combination of ‘sex’ and ‘texting’.

Why do people sext?

Sexting is usually deliberate (i.e. people choose to do it) and is often when someone takes an intimate or sexually explicit image of themselves and sends it to another person (for example a boyfriend or girlfriend). Although it’s completely natural for young people to want to explore their own sexual identity and their relationships, sexting can be really risky and have very serious consequences.

Sexting and the law

If anyone under the age of 18 is sexting (i.e. sending indecent images of themselves), they’re also breaking the law. You can find out more about sexting and the law on the Think You Know website but in brief it’s a criminal offence to:

  • TAKE an indecent image of someone under the age of 18 (which includes someone taking an image of themselves).
  • MAKE an indecent image of someone under 18 (i.e. copy it or save it to another device).
  • SEND an indecent image of someone 18 to another person.
  • ASK someone under 18 to take an indecent image of themselves.
  • HAVE an indecent image of someone under 18.

As a parent a good thing to remember about the law is that it is there to protect young people from harm and from being exploited and it’s not designed to punish them for making genuine mistakes.That said, every case is different and is always dealt with based on the circumstances and facts involved.

Talking with your child about sexting

Talking about sex isn’t always easy. Like lots of things though it’s better to talk about a subject before anything happens.Many children and young people don’t fully understand the laws about sexting or some of the consequences.

The Childline website has some great information for children and young people about sexting but it’s a good read for parents too.

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‘So you got naked online…’ is a resource that helps and advises young people who may find themselves in a situation where they (or a friend) have put a sexting image or video online and have lost control over that content and who it’s being shared with.

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The NSPCC website has useful information for parents and guidance for addressing the subject with young people.

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Online sexual chat

If someone is making your child feel uncomfortable about sex you can report them to CEOP. This might be someone:

  • chatting online with your child about sex
  • asking your child to do sexual things on a webcam
  • asking your child to send sexual images of themselves
  • trying to get your child to meet up with them offline

If this is happening make a report to CEOP. You can also contact Devon and Cornwall Police on telephone 101 (non emergency calls) or 999 (emergency calls only).

What is CEOP?

CEOP is the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Team within the National Crime Agency. They exist to help children and young people who are being approached online about sex or being sexually abused.

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Sharing nudes and semi-nudes: advice for education settings working with children and young people

Published in March 2024, this document provides schools with useful information on dealing with incidents.

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