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.
Who to contact
Police (999 or 101)
999 for immediate danger; 101 for non-urgent concerns about gang recruitment or county lines
24/7
Crimestoppers
To report gang activity anonymously, including county lines
24/7, anonymous
NSPCC Helpline
For advice on protecting your child and accessing local specialist support
24/7, 365 days a year
Childline
For your child to speak confidentially about what is happening
24/7, 365 days a year
This guidance is for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for emergency services or professional safeguarding support. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 (UK) or 911 (US) now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
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Quick Reference — My Child Is Being Recruited by a Gang Online
My Child Is Being Recruited by a Gang Online — Quick Reference
Safe Child Guide — safechildguide.com
Do this:
- 1. 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.
- 2. 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.
- 3. 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.
- 4. 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.
- 5. 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.
Do NOT do this:
- ✗ 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.
Stay calm. You are doing the right thing by looking for help. Your child needs your support, not your panic.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-01