County Lines: How Criminal Gangs Are Targeting Children Online

Image of Hazel Parkinson
Hazel Parkinson Former county-drugs coordinator, DSL and pastoral manager
Webinar 50min

This webinar will provide headteachers, designated safeguarding leads (DSLs), teachers and all school staff with an understanding of how the risks associated with county lines and child criminal exploitation have developed through the COVID-19 pandemic, with a rise in online grooming.

CPD Certified

This webinar will provide headteachers, designated safeguarding leads (DSLs), teachers and all school staff with an understanding of how the risks associated with county lines and child criminal exploitation have developed through the COVID-19 pandemic, with a rise in online grooming.

Whilst there may be a perception that lockdown and tighter restrictions on movement have reduced the threat from county lines, there is evidence to suggest that criminal gangs have evolved their tactics and continue to target vulnerable children through both old and new practice. A buoyant drugs market means that school should continue to look out for the signs of abuse and exploitation.

In this webinar, Hazel Parkinson, former county drugs coordinator, DSL and pastoral manager with 20+ years’ senior leadership experience, discusses how COVID-19 has changed the way gangs operate, the risks to children and how schools can recognise if children may be vulnerable to online recruitment.