Shocking new research has laid bare the scale at which teenagers across England and Wales are being targeted and exploited by criminals. A major survey reveals that one in nine young people aged 13 to 17 have been approached to sell, move, or store drugs, weapons, or illicit cash.
The Scale of Exploitation and Coercion
Conducted by the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF), an anti-violence charity, the study surveyed nearly 11,000 children. It found that more than a quarter of those approached accepted the offer, equating to approximately 120,000 teenagers nationwide becoming involved in such activities.
The methods used to entice or pressure young people are varied and alarming. 42% were offered money, while 27% were tempted with drugs or alcohol. For many others, the approach was one of intimidation: 22% faced threats of physical or sexual violence, 18% were subjected to blackmail, and a similar proportion were told they owed a debt.
Jon Yates, Chief Executive of the YEF, stated: “It’s horrifying how many children are being targeted. For some, it might seem like a quick favour or easy money, but to put it plainly, we are letting thousands of our children be exploited into crime. We must recognise the warning signs and provide timely, proven support to help them break free.”
Inside Gang Membership and its Consequences
The survey also examined gang affiliation, defining a gang as a group involved in criminality that identifies as such. It found that 2.4% of respondents had been a member in the past year, with a further 4% saying they had been members previously. Motivations ranged from peer pressure and boredom to seeking protection, status, power, or money.
Challenging stereotypes, the data showed that girls made up 39% of gang members aged 13-17 in the last year. While 4.2% of boys reported selling or transporting drugs or hiding illicit items, 2.5% of girls said they had done the same.
The link between this exploitation and serious violence is stark. Nearly half (48%) of those drawn into crime had been victims of violence severe enough to require medical treatment—a rate 18 times higher than those never approached. Furthermore, 51% had physically hurt someone else, compared to just 1% of those not involved.
Pathways Out and Potential Solutions
Young people who left gangs cited growing older, realising the stressful lifestyle was not for them, and wanting to avoid police trouble as key reasons. Positive influences like sports, creative programmes, and trusted adults such as teachers and youth workers were also credited with helping them exit.
One young person, James*, shared his experience of being groomed at age 12 and later selling drugs. He described living in constant fear and initially struggling to find support, even feeling dismissed by police after an arrest. His turnaround came through the youth charity Leaders Unlocked, which provided legal help and exposed him to positive alternatives.
The YEF points to ‘focused deterrence’ as a promising intervention. This approach combines swift, proportionate law enforcement with tailored support to tackle the root causes of violence. Backed by £8m from the Home Office, a pilot scheme is underway in England, with results expected in 2028.
*Name has been changed to protect identity.
