WORKSHOPS to stop children becoming criminals or victims have started at a Canvey school.

Officers from Essex Police visited Castle Views School, in Foksville Road, Canvey this week to launch a special initiative, which is a first for Essex.

The session focused on hidden harms, child sexual exploitation, gangs, knife crime and drugs.

Sgt Mark McQuade, from Essex Police, said it is sad to hear that many young people are losing their lives and succumbing to injury due to the certain patterns of behaviour that appear to be beyond their control.

He said: “It with this in mind that police and the school, came together and agreed on some real concerns that are affecting young people in our communities.

“Together we drew up a list of issues to look into including drugs, gangs, knife crime and child sexual exploitation.

“On the whole, we had some great youth engagement with the majority showing interest and the desire for further knowledge.

“Almost all students said they had learnt a lot and are now more aware of the issues facing young people, and are more able to prevent themselves becoming a victim and are of course aware of the danger signs.

“The scheme has been greatly received and supported by the school, and will go some way to protecting those most vulnerable.

“I’m looking to build on this very event by delivering the same to open audiences in Castle Point, in an attempt to further educate adults and parents on these dangers and patterns of offending and hope to deliver these sometime this summer.”

Lee Thorne, deputy headteacher at the school said it was an honour police chose Castle View to play host to their first workshop.

He said: “There is nothing more important to us than the welfare and safety of our students and it was a privilege to see every child in Year 9 actively engaged in the talks. “It was certainly a true testament to how mature and socially aware they are.

“We’re very proud of our youngsters and we’d like to thank the officers for spending the time with our learners, ensuing that the community we are proud to be part of is kept safe.”

Officers are now planning to hold further workshops to educate children and their families about dangers and patterns of reoffending.