At Wilbury Primary School in Edmonton, located in north London, a group of children aged 10 is learning the critical lesson about the risks of accepting food from strangers.

While free food may seem enticing to these hungry youngsters, it can lead to dangerous situations, including involvement in drug trafficking.

“County lines refers to the manipulation of children by gangs or individuals engaged in criminal activities for their own gain,” says Leo Powell, an educator specializing in county lines issues.

He conducted a role play with the students to illustrate the concept of grooming.

“I’ve treated him to food, and he believes we’re friends, but then I say, ‘You owe me money,’” Mr. Powell demonstrates to the class. “This is known as debt bondage.”

In this part of the city, high poverty levels, below-average incomes, and a significant number of families living in temporary housing contribute to the vulnerability of children to exploitation by organized crime gangs.

Mr. Powell informed the students that those who accept food or gifts from older individuals are often set up to be robbed. Once they are in debt, they are told they must repay it by being sent to sell drugs in other parts of London or neighboring counties.

They might receive a phone to take with them, enabling them to take and fulfill drug orders in different areas, commonly referred to as a “line.”

These operations are conducted by gangs that prey on at-risk adults and children, some as young as these students, subjecting them to threats and violence.

“We need to intervene early,” Mr. Powell emphasized to BBC News. “At ages 9, 10, and 11, they are still impressionable. If we wait too long, by the time they reach 15 or 16, they may be deeply entangled in such activities.”

This is a growing concern recognized by many school leaders.

“At Wilbury Primary, we have had students who became involved in county lines, with parents losing all connection with them,” says Lisa Wise, the headteacher. “Having individuals like Leo come in to inform children at a young age about these risks is crucial since these situations are arising at increasingly younger ages.”

Mr. Powell noted that it is surprisingly easy to lure young people with offers of food, money, and attention, particularly through social media.

“In most primary schools I visit, if I ask, ‘Who has a mobile phone?’ at least 90% of Year 5 and Year 6 students raise their hands. When I ask about social media apps, nearly 99% do. The age guideline for these apps is 13—yet no one claims to be 13.”

The children seem to understand the message well.

“They can gradually earn your trust and trick you,” says 10-year-old Taki, summarizing the lesson. “Then you might find yourself selling drugs, which is something you wouldn’t want to do.”

“If I don’t want to do it, I don’t have to,” adds 10-year-old Recarta. “If they force me, that’s just peer pressure.”

In the last two years, the Metropolitan Police have made around 2,500 arrests and have safeguarded over 1,000 children and vulnerable individuals.

However, for every operation they shut down, another criminal is often ready to set up a new line.

“They are using social media, technology, and phones, which is why we’re investing in a team of social media experts,” explains Det Supt Sean Lyons, who leads the county lines taskforce at the Metropolitan Police.

“We’re focused on educating children about these dangers and collaborating with partners like Leo Powell to identify risks and prevent exploitation.”

An ardent supporter and mentor for youth, Mr. Powell runs the Lives Over Lines community interest company and has produced three short films addressing the involvement of young people in county lines, each one carrying a moral about the associated violence. His fourth film is set to be released next year.

Mr. Powell tirelessly engages with the community, delivering presentations to youths, schools, and parents about the threats posed by county lines drug gangs and how to safeguard children from them.

While children may often be approached face-to-face, he emphasizes that the internet is also a significant grooming ground for many of them.

“How many parents are monitoring their children’s online activity?” Mr. Powell pondered.

“I’ve asked kids how many use their phones in their bedrooms without their parents’ knowledge, and nearly 99% raised their hands.”

“We must be aware of what our children are doing online to ensure their safety.”