How do I know if my child is being groomed for gang activity rather than just having new friends?

Warning signs include: unexplained money or gifts, a new group of older friends, reluctance to explain where they have been, carrying a second phone, references to unfamiliar postcodes or areas, and sudden changes in attitude. No single sign is definitive — it is a pattern of changes that matters. If you are unsure, contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.

Will my child be criminalised if I report this to the police?

Police and safeguarding teams are trained to recognise that children involved in gang activity are often victims rather than perpetrators. The Modern Slavery Act 2015 includes protections for child victims of criminal exploitation. Reporting early is generally the best protection for your child.

Immediate

My Child Is Being Recruited by a Gang Online

You believe that someone online is attempting to recruit your child into a gang or criminal activity — this may include county lines drug running, carrying weapons, or other illegal activities. Contact may have started through social media, gaming, or messaging apps.

Online gang recruitment is a form of grooming. Perpetrators deliberately target young people — often those who seem isolated, in need of money, or looking for belonging — and build trust before making requests. If you suspect this is happening to your child, act quickly but calmly. Your child may not recognise what is happening, and they may be frightened. They need your support, not your judgement.

What to do now

Do Not Confront Your Child Aggressively

If you confront your child with accusations, they may become defensive, run away, or warn their contacts. Approach the conversation with concern rather than anger: 'I am worried about you. Can we talk?' Listen before you speak.

✗ Do not: Do not threaten to confiscate devices or report to police before having an initial conversation — this can push young people further into contact with recruiters.

Look for Signs of Recruitment

Review what you can see on your child's devices — new contacts, unfamiliar group chats, references to postcodes or areas outside your local area, new unexplained money or gifts, changes in behaviour or friendship groups, and increased secrecy.

Preserve Evidence

If your child shares information with you, or if you have access to messages, take screenshots. Note usernames, group names, platform names, and dates. This information may be needed by the police.

Contact Police and Support Services

Call 101 to speak to your local police non-urgently, or 999 if you believe your child is in immediate danger. You can report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Local safeguarding teams and the NSPCC can also advise on next steps.

Seek Specialist Support

Gang involvement and county lines recruitment are complex safeguarding issues. Your local authority will have a dedicated Early Help or Child Protection team. Ask your child's school to make a referral, or contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 for guidance on specialist local services.

What not to do

✗Do not try to investigate or confront the recruiters yourself — this could put you and your child in danger.
✗Do not minimise the risk — online recruitment into gang activity is a recognised safeguarding concern and should be treated as such.
✗Do not allow shame or embarrassment to delay you from seeking help — this happens in all communities and is the responsibility of adults to address.

Preserving evidence

Why this matters

If you need to report to authorities or a platform, evidence can help.

•Screenshot any online conversations, profiles, or group chats that suggest recruitment activity — including usernames, platform names, and dates.
•Keep a written log of behavioural changes in your child, including dates, as this may be useful for police or safeguarding professionals.

How to talk to your child

✓Avoid language that implies your child has done something wrong — they may be a victim of sophisticated grooming. Say: 'I am not angry. I am worried about you, and I want to help.'
✓Acknowledge that the people recruiting them may feel like real friends or protectors. Gently name the manipulative tactics without dismissing your child's experience.