Child crime represents a significant societal challenge, impacting not only the future of the children involved but also the broader fabric of our community. With a troubling percentage of crimes being committed by individuals under the age of 18, we must give due attention to this complex issue.
The Prevalence of Child Crime
According to the Ministry of Justice, 16% of all recorded crimes in the UK during 2020 were committed by individuals under 18 years of age. This statistic is not just a number, it is a clear reflection of lives derailed and potential unrealised.
The criminal activities these figures encompass range from minor infractions such as vandalism to more serious offences like assault and drug trafficking. Each case represents a child in crisis, and an urgent call for intervention. It is whether or not intervention can be provided in time to make a lasting impact and remove the child from any further involvement.
Unpacking the Causes: The Underlying Factors of Child Crime
Child crime, like any other issue of such magnitude, does not have a single cause. Instead, it is often the result of a complex interplay of socio-economic deprivation, family instability, educational disengagement and negative peer influences. Recognising these underlying causes is the first step towards effective interventions.
This is where some of the hardest work is for groups that are committed to protecting children; identifying where the causes lay. It could be a mixture of the above reasons; it could be none of them or it could be all of them. Each case is completely different and each case requires a different solution or type of intervention. It would be impossible for organisations to group each case and try to provide support this way.
Recently, county lines gangs have been dominating headlines and it has been reported that many groom children to work for them in very volatile and dangerous situations. These gangs not only have a real effect on society but also on the children and young people they are using to carry out their illegal activity.
County Line gangs and children
The term ‘county lines’ refers to the use of dedicated mobile phone lines by city-based drug networks to connect with customers in less urban areas. These gangs identify lucrative drug markets outside of their usual urban strongholds and establish a marketplace, often exploiting children and vulnerable adults to move drugs and money.
What makes county lines particularly sinister is the way children and young people are coerced and manipulated into becoming cogs in these criminal machines. Gangs target vulnerable children, grooming them with gifts, money or through emotional manipulation. Sometimes though, coercion can be outright violent.
Children entangled in county lines have been found to be typically aged between 14 and 17 and both boys and girls are affected.
They may have a history of truancy or exclusions from school, come from troubled families, or may be in care. Some may have prior involvement in criminal activity. However, it is important to remember that this problem can affect any child from any background and some may become involved because their friends are because they are enticed by what they think they can gain from it.
The impact of county lines gangs on Children’s Lives
The implications for the children drawn into county lines are profound. Involvement deeply impacts their physical, mental and emotional well-being. Plus, involvement could lead to serious injury or, unfortunately as found in a lot of cases, even death.
Even if the young people or children manage to escape working for a gang and are physically unscathed, the mental torment that they may have gone through at such an early age can have a profound effect on children’s mental health for the rest of their lives.
Physical and Emotional Trauma
These children are often subjected to extreme levels of violence as a means of control and discipline. Many are transported away from their local areas and made to stay in ‘trap houses’ where drugs are stored and distributed. They may also experience or witness severe crimes. This exposure to violence and criminality can have traumatic effects on a child’s emotional well-being and psychological health.
Education and Future Prospects
Regular school attendance becomes challenging which can lead to underperformance or exclusion. This interruption in education not only affects a child’s present circumstances but also limits their future opportunities, pushing them further into the cycle of crime and deprivation.
Children involved in county lines can face severe legal consequences if they are caught. This not only affects the child’s immediate situation but can have far-reaching implications for their future.
Role of Charities for children who are involve with county lines gangs
Charities play a crucial role in tackling this issue. Many run prevention programs and workshops aimed at educating children about the risks of county lines involvement. They also provide vital support services to affected children, helping them reclaim their lives
Organisations like St Giles Trust and the Children’s Society run projects specifically designed to help young people caught up in county lines, providing one-on-one support, advice, and even assistance with exiting these dangerous situations.
County lines gangs are just one aspect of criminal activity that children and young people have been found to be involved with.
It is a very relevant and ongoing problem in the UK at the moment but as mentioned there are fortunately organisations like charities that are doing an amazing job in helping these individuals whilst they are currently involved with crime or afterwards.
The Role of Charities in the struggle to reduce child crime
Children’s charities play a pivotal role in the fight against child crime. Organisations like Crime Stoppers, have dedicated their mission to support and uplift at-risk children. They provide resources, opportunities, and a safe environment for children, thereby reducing the likelihood of their engagement in criminal activities.
These charities operate on various levels, from prevention to intervention. They work towards raising funds for projects aimed at promoting children’s development, wellbeing, and education and tirelessly support families and communities to create a nurturing environment for children to grow.
But what do they do to achieve this?
Strategies for Reduction: A Holistic Approach
Addressing child crime requires a multi-faceted approach, focusing on preventative measures, early interventions and rehabilitation. This can include mental health support, practical support that helps to reduce the risk of them becoming involved and support for their families either during or after their involvement.
Education
Education serves as a critical tool in preventing child crime. Schools must strive to identify and support students at risk of disengagement. Charities play a crucial role in this regard by partnering with educational institutions, providing additional resources and programmes to encourage academic engagement and positive social interactions.
Schools have also been working with police forces to ensure that their students know the dangers of becoming involved in gangs or criminal activity. This is done with a hope that they know exactly what they are going to potentially get involved with. This has proven to work in some cases but unfortunately again, not in others.
Along with charities and working alongside them, schools have been engaging in early intervention with children who are at risk and heling them to avoid any further involvement.
Mentorship
The power of positive role models and mentors cannot be understated. By guiding children, instilling strong values, and encouraging healthy coping mechanisms, mentors can significantly divert children from criminal behaviours.
Charities often provide mentoring programmes for children who are involved in crime to facilitate these positive relationships and encourage children not to become involved with crime.
Conclusion: Our Collective Responsibility
The fight against child crime is a collective responsibility. Charities, governmental bodies, schools and communities must collaborate to create comprehensive strategies that address the root causes and provide effective support to children at risk.
By working together to help children who are groomed into gangs or to support the community when they have been a victim of crime, we can ensure a safer future for children and our communities at large.
