We Are With You service manager and safeguarding lead, Sonya Jones writes about the exploitation of young kids in drug trading and the pandemic’s effect on the problem.
Kids of ages 13-17 are being recruited and used to sell drugs by gang members as a way of shielding themselves against undercover cops and double agents as drug dealers know the police do not work with underaged children.
The 16- 17-year-olds (recruited by older gang members) are often known to the police and with fewer people on the streets it’s hard for them to remain inconspicuous so they recruit kids as young as 13 years old, drive them around and make them do the business. This is how it becomes a circle of exploitation.
The pandemic has led to a hopeless situation for many young people as the future has become even more uncertain than before. This insecurity and the absence of hope leads to exploitation. Although the situation has worsened with the spread of the virus, it didn’t start with the lockdown. Studies show that since 2010 spending on youth services has fallen by 70% meanwhile education is becoming less and less accessible.
The solution to the problem would be to give these young people hope for the future. At We Are With You they are not only asked about their issues with drugs and gangs but also about their ambitions and together with their mentor they look at different areas that can affect their lives (eg. issues at school or at home) and they get guidance and help. This is the most effective style of support.