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Have you got a teenager heading to university this month?


Making new friends and enjoying nights out are inevitable. But talking to your teenagers about spiking is important. Ensure they keep themselves safe and are aware about the criminal offence. 

Be open and honest with them - talk about what spiking is and the different forms in which it can occur. Explain that spiking is unacceptable and criminal behaviour, not a joke.  

Teenagers may notice that some of their friends are boasting about spiking others. They may not see this behaviour as spiking if it feels like a joke to them. 

You can also tell them how to challenge a spiking offender safely if any of their friends are spiking others. It can be daunting; they may feel scared or think that it’s not their responsibility to stand up for others who are being spiked. 


If it's discussed amongst their peer group, they could: 

  • Say something (if they feel safe), for example, 'this is not funny' or 'this is not okay' 

  • Divert, for example 'let's go to…' or ‘look at this TikTok’ 

  • If they see it happening, they could: 
     

  • Tell someone, for example a staff member or bar staff 

  • Offer support, for example by asking the victim if they’re okay, by filming the situation on their phone (if safe) or by offering to wait with someone until they're ready 

  • It can also help to talk to you or another adult they trust. 

    For more information on how to talk to teenagers about spiking, visit: surrey.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/spiking-advice/spiking/how-to-talk-to-teenagers-about-spiking/ 


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    Karen Parker
    (Police, Comms officer, Corporate Communications)

    Neighbourhood Alert Cyber Essentials