SAFEGUARDING HANDBOOK
KNOW THE SIGNS
Your Guide to Staying Safe from Knife Crime & County Lines
Key Stage 3 | Ages 11-14
1 in 5
teens offered drugs
43%
knife crimes under 25s
3x
higher risk deprived areas
SAFEGUARDING HANDBOOK
Your Guide to Staying Safe from Knife Crime & County Lines
Key Stage 3 | Ages 11-14
Understanding the basics
Knife crime is any offence involving a knife or bladed weapon — whether used to threaten, cause injury, or simply carried in public. You do not have to use a knife for it to be a crime. Simply having one without good reason can lead to arrest and up to four years in prison.
Drug trafficking & exploitation explained
County lines is when criminal gangs use children and vulnerable people to carry drugs from cities into smaller towns. The young people involved are victims of exploitation — not willing criminals.
Warning signs of exploitation — in yourself and your friends
IF YOU SPOT THESE SIGNS — TELL A TRUSTED ADULT OR CALL 101
You don't need to be certain. If something feels wrong, trust that feeling.
Recognising manipulation before it's too late
Friendly, charming, unusually interested in you.
Food, money, clothes. They make you feel special. Nothing asked yet.
'They don't get you like I do.' Your support network is weakened.
'Just one small task.' Uses gifts as leverage.
Fear, debt, threats. But you are the victim. It is never your fault.
What the law says — and what happens if you break it
| Offence | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|
| Carrying a bladed weapon in public | Up to 4 years prison |
| Threatening someone with a knife | Up to 4 years prison |
| Using a knife to injure someone | Up to life imprisonment |
| Possessing a banned weapon | Up to 4 years — no exceptions |
Practical strategies for refusing and getting out
'I can't — my mum checks my phone' gives you time without confrontation.
Agree a secret word with family. Sending it means 'come get me — no questions'.
Walk — don't run. Head calmly toward a public place.
You won't be in trouble for being targeted. Speaking up early helps.
Danger: 999. To report: 101 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
If police stop you, stay calm. Give name and address. Ask why you're stopped.
Free, confidential help — available right now
Free, 24/7
100% anonymous
Adults worried about child
Mental health crisis
24/7 helpline
Anonymous online reporting
IN AN EMERGENCY — ALWAYS CALL 999
You are never alone. Help is always available.
Make your commitment to your community and yourself
I, _________________________, pledge to:
Signature: _________________________ Date: _____________
"YOUR FUTURE IS WORTH MORE THAN ANY MOMENT OF DANGER."
Understanding what's happening and why
| Substance | Risk | Key Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Cannabis | High | Most commonly misused; linked to psychosis with heavy use |
| Ketamine | Very High | Treatment demand up 8× since 2015; causes bladder damage |
| MDMA / Ecstasy | High | Linked to overheating and organ failure; festivals & nightlife |
| Cocaine / Crack | Very High | Often county-lines linked; cardiovascular failure risk |
| Nitrous Oxide | Medium | Now Class C; causes permanent nerve damage with heavy use |
| Synthetic Cannabinoids | Extreme | Sold as THC vapes; seizures, psychosis, cardiac events |
How to spot it and how to help
Free, confidential, 24/7
Support for families
How it works online — and how to spot it far earlier
Offenders scan profiles and gaming chats for children who appear lonely, isolated or troubled. Public accounts with personal information are high risk.
The groomer presents as a peer, mentor or admirer — kind, funny and understanding. They remember details to seem genuine and trustworthy.
'Our friendship is special — don't tell anyone.' They gradually separate the child from family and friends, positioning themselves as the only real support.
Boundaries are pushed slowly — sexual content, daring conversations, requests for photos. Each step is normalised before the next begins.
Threats, guilt and blackmail keep the child compliant. The child often believes they are in a real relationship or that they will get in trouble if they tell.
Warning signs, rules, and how to report
| Safety Rule | What It Means in Practice |
|---|---|
| Keep profiles private | Only approved followers see posts, location or stories |
| Never share personal details | No full name, school, address, phone or daily routine |
| Reject unknown contacts | If you don't know them in real life, don't accept the request |
| Screenshot and report | Keep evidence before blocking — report within the platform and to CEOP |
| Never meet alone | Online contacts should never become offline meetings without a trusted adult |
CEOP — Child Exploitation & Online Protection
Report online grooming or sexual abuse directly to specialist officers
ceop.police.uk
You know your child best — trust your instincts
| Area | What to Look For | Possible Link |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes | Glazed, red, or pinpoint pupils | Drug use (cannabis, opioids) |
| Nose | Frequent nosebleeds, sniffling | Cocaine or snorted substances |
| Weight | Rapid unexplained loss or gain | Stimulant or depressant use |
| Stomach | Repeated severe cramps | Ketamine-induced bladder damage |
| Hands/feet | Tingling, numbness, weakness | Nitrous oxide nerve damage |
How to start the conversation and keep it open
Side-by-side conversations (in the car, on a walk) feel less confrontational. Avoid starting when either of you is upset or tired.
'I've noticed you seem a bit withdrawn lately — I just wanted to check in.' This invites dialogue rather than triggering defensiveness.
Resist the urge to immediately fix or lecture. Reflect back what you hear: 'It sounds like you've been feeling under pressure.'
'Whatever is happening, I am not angry. I want to help you.' Children disclose when they believe the adult will act on their behalf — not punish them.
Don't act unilaterally unless there is immediate risk. Involving them in what happens next preserves trust and keeps communication open.
| Topic | Opening Line |
|---|---|
| Drugs | "I know a lot of young people are coming across this stuff at school — has anything like that ever come up for you?" |
| Online Safety | "I read something about strangers contacting kids in games — has anything like that ever happened to you or anyone you know?" |
| Exploitation | "If anyone ever asked you to do something that felt wrong or scary, you wouldn't be in trouble for telling me." |
| Mental Health | "You've seemed a bit down lately. You don't have to tell me everything, but I'm always here when you're ready." |
Who to contact and when — reaching out is a sign of strength
| Situation | Who to Contact | How |
|---|---|---|
| Worried about drug use | Frank Drugs Helpline | 0300 123 6600 |
| Family affected by drug use | Adfam | adfam.org.uk |
| Worried about online activity | CEOP / NSPCC | ceop.police.uk / 0808 800 5000 |
| Child is missing | Missing People | 116 000 |
| Child is being exploited | NSPCC / Local MASH | 0808 800 5000 |
| Child in immediate danger | Emergency Services | 999 |
| Child's mental health | Young Minds Parent Line | 0808 802 5544 |
If you believe a child is at serious risk you can refer directly to Children's Services — you do not need to wait for a school or professional to act first.
IN AN EMERGENCY — ALWAYS CALL 999
Every school has a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Ask to speak with them confidentially about your concerns.
A promise made together is far more powerful than a rule handed down
We, the _________________________ family, pledge to:
Signed: _________________________ Date: _____________
Signed: _________________________ Date: _____________
Our family code word (means 'come get me — no questions asked'):
Trusted adult outside the family (name & number):
School DSL contact:
Local Children's Services number:
"THE GREATEST PROTECTION YOU CAN GIVE A CHILD IS A FAMILY THEY KNOW WILL LISTEN."
This handbook was produced by The Safeguard Hub in partnership with schools and educational institutions.
All content is MASH compliant. Statistics from ONS and Home Office (OGL v3.0).