For Parents & Safeguarding Leads
Signs and how to talk about it
Physical signs
- Rapid muscle gain disproportionate to training time
- Acne breakouts, especially on the back and shoulders
- Finding vials, syringes, or blister packs of tablets
- Injection marks on the glutes, thighs, or deltoids
- Water retention or a noticeably puffy face
- Stretch marks from unusually rapid muscle growth
Behavioural signs
- Obsessive focus on physique, frequent body-checking in mirrors
- Becoming secretive about supplements or packages arriving
- Mood swings: irritability, aggression, or emotional flatness
- Withdrawal from family or non-gym friends
- Increased unexplained spending
- Sudden dietary rigidity: tracking macros, refusing family meals
✓What to say
Come from curiosity, not accusation
"I've noticed you've been really dedicated to the gym. Tell me about it."
Acknowledge their effort
"I can see how hard you've been working. I respect that."
Make it clear you won't punish or shame them
"I'm not here to judge. I just want to make sure you're safe."
✗What not to say
Don't lead with ultimatums or threats
"If you don't stop right now, I'll..."
Don't dismiss or belittle their reasons
"That's so vain" or "Real men don't need that"
Don't use scare tactics that aren't evidence-based
"You'll be dead by 30" (this will destroy your credibility)
Identifying use in under 18s
Research suggests boys as young as 13 are now using. Under-18s face additional risks because the body is still developing.
Why under-18s are higher risk
- Growth plates can fuse prematurely, permanently stunting height
- The endocrine system is still maturing — steroids can cause lasting hormonal disruption and infertility
- Brain development continues until the mid-20s — mood regulation, impulse control, and emotional processing are all affected
- Younger users are less likely to use harm reduction practices
What to look for in a school or youth setting
- A pupil whose physique has changed dramatically over a short period, especially during holidays
- Gym culture becoming the dominant identity within a peer group
- Language from manosphere content: "looksmaxxing", "mewing", "getting on"
- Packages arriving at school or being exchanged between pupils
- Conversations about supplements escalating to SARMs and testosterone
When to seek professional help
- They are under 18 and using or planning to use
- Suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or severe personality changes
- Escalating use: higher doses, more compounds, shorter breaks between cycles
- Sharing needles or using non-sterile injection practices
In an emergency: Call 999. For mental health crisis, call Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7).
Frequently asked questions
If they're mid-cycle, abruptly stopping can cause hormonal crashes, depression, and physical side effects. For adults, confiscation often damages trust without solving the underlying issue. A better approach may be to insist on medical oversight — blood work and GP involvement — as a condition of continuing. If they are under 18, you have more grounds to intervene directly.