Keeping Lewisham children safe from harm

Lewisham saw the highest number of county lines offences of any London borough between 2020 and 2022. The term ‘county lines’ refers to criminals grooming children into carrying drugs or weapons across the country for them. ‘Lines’ can also refer to the ‘burner phones’ these criminals use to keep these vulnerable children from being tracked and found. 

As social media and mobile phones become more commonly used among children and young people, it’s easier than ever for criminals to contact children and manipulate them into joining their gang. They might pick up on the fact that they’re lonely, or that they are excluded from school, and can make the child feel like the criminal is the only person who really understands. 

County lines and other forms of criminal exploitation are never the child’s fault. They are not yet old enough to understand what they can or cannot do, and who to trust. But in a borough where county lines is growing, parents can make choices to help keep their children as safe as possible.

The performing arts as a tool to keep children safe 

Often, parents sign their children up to a performing arts activity after school because they want to improve their singing, dancing, and acting skills. However, the performing arts are extremely helpful to keep children away from risk, too. 

Off the streets 

By being in a scheduled activity after school, children are less likely to be hanging around in a park or by a shop, or even at home on their phones — all places where criminals can try to groom them into committing crimes. 

Better focus at school 

Performing arts courses teach focus, discipline, and confidence, which all directly lead to better performance at school. This reduces the likelihood of an exclusion, making it less likely that your child will get targeted by a gang. 

Courses like Montage Theatre Arts offer specialised support for SEN children, who are statistically much more likely to be excluded from school. Their after-school activity can help equip them with the tools they need to cope at school, and feel more focused and calm. 

Developing a support system 

Criminals are known to target children who feel lonely or isolated. They chat to them and form a friendship, making the child feel listened to and understood. Of course, this is all a lie, but the child cannot easily tell the difference.

By building their confidence and social skills, the performing arts can help your child form lasting friendships both in and outside of school. This makes them less likely to rely on someone they meet online for support, and will as a result keep them safer from harm. 

When you join Montage Theatre Arts, you can be assured that your child’s wellbeing, safety, and happiness are top priorities for the team. With free and reduced-rate places available, we’re helping ensure that the performing arts are accessible to all children and young people in Lewisham.