Stadskanaal joins regional effort to shield youth from drug trafficking risks
Parents in Stadskanaal and Groningen are being equipped to spot and discuss signs of drug trade involvement among young people aged 10-14. The campaign aims to prevent exploitation via social media, where children are increasingly targeted with seemingly harmless but risky tasks.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Campaign Name | 'Mijn kind doet dat wel' (My child wouldn’t do that) |
| Target Group | Parents and caregivers of children aged 10-14 |
| Region | Stadskanaal, Groningen municipalities, and the province of Groningen |
| Main Threat | Social media recruitment for drug trafficking |
| Goal | Prevention through awareness and early conversations at home |
| Website | www.mijnkinddoetdatwel.nl |
| Lead Official | Mayor Klaas Sloots, portfolio holder for undermining crime in Groningen |
The municipality of Stadskanaal plays a key role in local safety initiatives, collaborating with regional partners to tackle crime. As part of this effort, it focuses on preventive measures to protect vulnerable groups, such as young people, from exploitation and criminal influence.
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Stadskanaal supports campaign to keep young people out of drug trade
The municipality of Stadskanaal is participating in the regional campaign ‘Mijn kind doet dat wel’ (My child wouldn’t do that). With this campaign, the municipalities of Groningen and the province of Groningen aim to prevent young people aged 10 to 14 from becoming involved in drug trafficking. The campaign primarily targets parents and caregivers, as they play a crucial role in recognizing signals and having conversations at home.
Young people are approached more easily
According to Mayor Klaas Sloots, young people today are more easily exposed to illegal trade. “Through social media, young people can be approached for what seems like a simple task, often for a substantial reward. It may seem harmless, but it can be the start of bigger problems. Fortunately, most young people say no. By helping parents recognize signals and have conversations at home, we want to keep it that way.” Mayor Sloots serves as the portfolio holder for the regional approach to undermining crime in Groningen. In this role, he works with other municipalities in Groningen to prevent young people from ending up in crime.
Prevention and awareness
The campaign helps parents and caregivers recognize signs of possible involvement in drug trafficking and provides tips on how to discuss this with their child. Prevention is important, especially before young people actually come into contact with crime.
Working together for a resilient society
The campaign is part of the regional approach to combating undermining crime. Municipalities, the province, and other partners work together in this effort to prevent crime and make residents more resilient. For more information about the campaign, visit: www.mijnkinddoetdatwel.nl