Leading education podcast Schools Behaviour Secrets’ latest episode recently welcomed guests Desmond Skyers and Steve Warner to discuss how educators can make a difference in spotting the signs of child criminal exploitation.
A growing body of evidence shows that education is not only vital in preparing students academically but also in safeguarding them from the risks of criminal involvement, such as gang affiliation, county lines, and serious youth violence.
St Giles carries out prevention work across England and Wales providing specialist services helping young people out of county lines and other forms of CCE (Child Criminal Exploitation). Its preventative schools-based mentoring work, places lived experience at the forefront of combatting child criminal exploitation. It provides one-on-one mentoring support to children vulnerable to these risks.
The Youth Endowment Fund recently announced a £10 million investment to help young people turn to mentors, not violence and expand and evaluate established mentoring programmes across England and Wales. The YEF Toolkit shows that mentoring programmes lead to an average 21% reduction in violence, a 14% decrease in all offending and a 19% reduction in reoffending rates.
Steve Warner, Head of Education at St Giles, says,
“schools are uniquely positioned to identify and address the early warning signs of exploitation. With 35-plus hours of weekly contact, educators have a level of access to children that no other service can match.”
Desmond Skyers, Mentor Lead at St Giles, added,
“all young people, regardless of their background, are at risk of exploitation. Whether from affluent or underserved communities, the pressures to belong, achieve status, and experiment with risk-taking behaviour can be incredibly powerful.”
Schools are increasingly becoming a frontline in the battle against exploitation. Beyond the typical academic curriculum, Desmond and Steve are keen to highlight the importance of educators being equipped to identify signs of vulnerability—be it changing peer groups, deteriorating attendance, or unexplained expensive belongings.
Skyers adds,
“our approach is built on trust and empowerment. We provide young people with accurate, relevant information, helping them make safe choices. By developing trusting relationships, we give them the tools to think critically and stay safe.”
For schools looking to proactively address this issue, the solution lies in creating a culture of openness, early intervention, and comprehensive support systems. Professional training, such as that offered by St Giles, enables staff to recognize the signs of grooming and exploitation. By embedding mentoring services into the fabric of school life, children can be provided with the support they need, before criminal exploitation takes hold.
Click here to listen to the podcast on YouTube to find out more about the signs to spot.