Councillors told why teenagers hang around outside Stafford McDonald’s
Youngsters lured into criminal gangs have little choice in leaving- and groups of teenagers gathering outside local businesses may be doing so because they consider them safe spaces, a meeting has been told.
Local authorities need to work together to make sure public areas are safer spaces for children and teenagers at risk of dangers including being groomed by gangs or child sexual exploitation (CSE), a youth offending service boss has told a Staffordshire County Council committee.
Work is currently taking place in the county around “contextual safeguarding”, which covers situations outside the family environment where children and young people may be at risk of harm, such as in their neighbourhoods or while using social media.
Councillors were given an insight into the situations faced by teenagers and young people who may themselves be considered to be causing concerns to other members of society when they congregate in public places.
Hazel Williamson, head of the youth offending service, told Tuesday’s safe and strong communities select committee meeting: “When you ask children and young people why are you hanging around outside Stafford McDonald’s it’s because of free Wifi, it has a toilet, it feels safe and you can get a cheeseburger.
“We had a similar situation at Uttoxeter Asda, where there is a shelter they go. They have an agreement where they can be outside the store as long as they behave themselves.
“Often our teenagers are demonised but it’s about changing perceptions of children and young people and remembering what it’s like being a teenager as well. It’s about how we make spaces safe for our children and young people
“It’s going to have to be a joint effort involving ourselves and the district and borough councils – certainly those who have responsibilities for parks and public spaces.”
The committee was also told about the methods used by criminal gangs to lure young “soldiers” into activities such as drug dealing. Social media platforms including Twitter and Youtube were being used to target vulnerable young people, Ms Williamson said.
She added: “Often children and young people groomed into gangs have little choice once they’re in. Children don’t wake up and think ‘I’m going to be in a gang and sell drugs.
“They’re operated like businesses. They target our vulnerable children and young people, they promise them gifts.
“Once they’re groomed and given their first job – it may be to sell some drugs – the gang will arrange for those drugs to be robbed from the child. They’re then in debt bondage and they can’t get out.”
The committee heard that a media campaign about contextual safeguarding was set to be produced.
Committee chairman Councillor John Francis said: “We’re here to help – if you need it come back to us.
“We have gone through CSE for the past 10 years in various forms and county lines (drug-related criminal criminal activity) came in a few years ago.
“The next thing to get on top of is with social media and I don’t know how the hell we do it. They are taking so many sites down every day, but you take one down and three pop up.”
