My child and their friendship group became victims of grooming by a gang (Snapchat dealers). Such gangs exploit vulnerable children, exposing them to addictive, harmful substances (mainly spice which is synthetic cannabis) often disguised in seemingly innocuous vapes. 

As a parent, witnessing the drastic changes in my child within days, without realising the risk was devastating. This chilling reality is pervasive throughout the country and calls for immediate intervention. My child is a high achiever and we are responsible parents. 

Snapchat is used to contact vulnerable children, it shows the locations of children and grooming gangs take advantage of the disappearing messages in the app.  Those groomed have to either sell and deliver vapes or give sexual favours. They blackmail kids with images and threaten to burn their houses down. This puts pressure on kids, forcing them to pressure more vulnerable kids to do it which is what happened to us.  Those affected become quickly addicted. There are cases of rectal bleeding from irreparable damaged organs in young teenagers, some as young as 12 years old.

For every Snapchat dealer caught, many more pop up to take their place making them difficult to catch.   Grooming gangs are also using other popular social media platforms. They may also be linked to some vape shops. 

Schools should introduce mandatory screening for vapes using vape scanners, vape detectors in unsupervised high risk areas such as changing rooms and mandatory nicotine and/or drug testing for children identified as at risk using risk markers such as: issues with absenteeism, truancy, deterioration in school work, punctuality and/or change in behaviour.  Where a positive test is found the children should be placed under safeguarding and substance abuse teams who offer protection to families without punishment.  

According to a report by The Children's Society, thousands of children across the UK are at risk of grooming for drug-related activities. The introduction of nicotine and drug testing in schools will act as a preventative measure, helping to identify those in danger and providing them with the support they need. By highlighting the issue early, we can prevent irreversible damage to countless young lives. 

This proactive approach not only raises awareness among teachers, parents, and communities but also empowers us to combat the menace of drug exploitation at its root. It sends a clear message to those who prey on our children that we are vigilant and united against such activities.

We urge the Department for Education and local authorities to take action now. Implement mandatory vape screening, vape detectors in unsupervised high risk areas and nicotine/ drug testing identified high risk individuals as a crucial step in safeguarding our children and ensuring a safer, healthier environment for their growth. By signing this petition, you're standing with us to protect our children from the dangers posed by grooming gangs and drug exploitation.

Any parents or guardians noticing a sudden change in their child's health or behaviour can purchase drug tests online for spice, cannabis, THC, nicotine and other substances.  They can be saliva or urine tests. Nicotine tests can be done with saliva twice weekly and if it’s positive then test for drugs using urine tests.  Where the nicotine test is positive remove privileges such as phone or going out.  This proves very effective.  Nicotine stays in the system up to 72 hours.

I wish I had been given all this information. I genuinely had no idea this was happening on our doorstep.

Symptoms can include vomiting, headache, light headedness, fatigue, sudden mood changes, exhaustion, collapse. 50% of prison deaths are caused by the spice drug according to statistics. Research shows teenagers collapsing and hospitalised in many different locations. 

Other signs include increased secrecy, spraying deodorant to cover the smell, new friendship groups, asking for money, no energy to go to school hence spice is called the zombie drug. 

Additionally check their rooms, pockets, bags, containers, down their mattress, old shoes.  Get an affordable vape wand to scan their rooms and clothes. Check their phones including deleted photos.  

Connect to Snapchat family centre so you know who they’re talking to. Also look for nicotine pouches that they use in their mouth and burn marks on their gums. 

The kids are sold a rechargeable hotbox and then the dealers supply top up liquid regularly keeping them addicted.  Track their locations when they go out and check who they are with.  Grooming gangs chose locations that don’t arouse suspicion, this could include busy location areas where they can park out of site. Spot check when they are out.  

Be careful of the children who have been groomed and want to protect the dealers, the ones who become ‘bought’ with expensive items they can’t afford. The ones who lie to parents because they have become drug runners. 

Be prepared for withdrawal symptoms, my child fought to go back out and get illegal vapes with lies and pretence. 

Don't be afraid or ashamed to get support if you’ve been affected, you and your child is a victim of crime. 

My child and friendship group had no idea the vapes were drugged.  

Please be vigilant.  Please also be aware there can be drugs in sweets and snacks too with counterfeit branded wrappers.  

https://news.sky.com/story/spice-in-schools-warning-over-new-and-emerging-threat-putting-children-in-hospital-13424131

https://www.england.nhs.uk/2024/10/almost-1-in-10-secondary-school-pupils-currently-vape-new-nhs-survey-shows/

This is happening in many UK locations.  There are many children affected and so many more at risk.