Primary schoolchildren are being educated about the dangers of county lines, a growing issue that involves debt bondage and the exploitation of children by criminal gangs. In a classroom at Wilbury Primary School in Edmonton, north London, a group of 10-year-olds is learning not to accept food from strangers, as this can be a gateway to drug dealing and debt bondage. Leo Powell, a county lines educator, explains that county lines occur when strangers, gangs, or those involved in criminal activities try to use children for their own benefit. He demonstrates this through a role-play, explaining how accepting food from a stranger can lead to debt bondage, where children are set up to be robbed and then forced to pay off the debt by selling drugs in other areas of London or nearby counties. This is a significant problem in areas with high poverty, lower than average income, and more families in temporary accommodation, making children susceptible to grooming by organized crime gangs. Mr. Powell highlights the importance of early intervention, as children as young as 9 or 10 are at risk. He emphasizes the need to educate children about the dangers of county lines and to work with parents to ensure their children are safe. The Metropolitan Police has made significant efforts in the past two years, making about 2,500 arrests and safeguarding over 1,000 children and vulnerable people. However, the challenge remains as new criminal lines are constantly being set up. Mr. Powell advocates for increased awareness and education, particularly among parents, to protect children from the dangers of county lines drug gangs.
