Authorities are calling on South West teens to identify the signs of grooming and exploitation.
A powerful new campaign aims to address the growing risks posed by county lines drug networks through targeted advertising on TikTok and Snapchat.
The adverts are designed to help young people identify criminal exploitation, understand the warning signs, and find help.
Alison Hernandez, police and crime commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: "We continue to work across the five forces in the South West to make our area hostile to drug dealers and to those who coerce or exploit our children.
"Drug dealers don't care that it will put them at risk of serious harm, arrest or worse.
"This important campaign will help inform those around our children, who may have been coerced into committing a crime, recognise the signs and encourage them to get help."
Police forces and police and crime commissioners from Wiltshire, Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset, and Gloucestershire have joined forces to deliver the campaign.
County lines operations involve organised gangs exploiting children to move drugs and cash across county borders using coercion, intimidation and violence.
Ms Hernandez warned parents to stay alert and talk openly with their children about the dangers of criminal exploitation.
She said: "I also urge parents to be vigilant and not be afraid to have a frank conversation with your children about how to spot the dangers of exploitation and to look out for their friends and classmates.
"Finally, if you have any information relating to children being involved in this, please report it to the police on 101, or call 999 if someone is in immediate danger."
The campaign features short, hard-hitting videos with region-specific support links.
It aims to connect with teenagers on platforms where they spend much of their time online.
Warning signs of child criminal exploitation include going missing, unexplained money or gifts, a sudden change in friends - particularly older or unfamiliar peers - and secrecy about phones or messages.
Other indicators include multiple phones, injuries that are unable to be explained, skipping school, a sharp drop in grades, or changes in mood and behaviour.
The campaign is the first time the South West region has launched a coordinated awareness effort targeting young people on TikTok and Snapchat.
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