Drugs Exploitation

Lots of children and young people worry about drug use. You may be worried about yourself or about somebody else, like a friend or family member. 

Whatever your worry, support is available. 

People who supply drugs are breaking the law. If they provide drugs to children (anyone aged under 18) this breaks other laws. Even if they provide drugs for free, this is illegal and abuse. 

Crucial: In Oxfordshire, support is available to help with issues arising from drug use. This could be your own drug use, or that of someone else. Cranstoun Here4YOUth can help where the problem is your own or someone else's drug use. The Targeted Youth Support Service can also help, or suggest a service that may work better for you.

Drugs exploitation

Drugs exploitation describes a situation where adults abuse children by getting them to hold or sell drugs for them. This is Criminal Drug Exploitation, and it is illegal, and a form of child abuse. 

Sometimes called "County Lines", Criminal Drug Exploitation happens when criminals ask or pressure children to sell drugs. This can also happen to vulnerable adults, including those with special educational need or disability, addictions or mental health conditions, or other vulnerabilities. 

But anyone can be targeted, you do not have to be vulnerable. If anything like this is happening to you, help is available. 

Start by telling a trusted adult, like a teacher, School Health Nurse or other worker.

The adults that you tell will work to protect you and support you. 

Find out more and read case studies about young people who have suffered criminal exploitation.