PUPILS at an Abergavenny school were treated to a drama production which highlighted the risks of sexual grooming and abuse.

'It's Not OK', was shown to Year 8 pupils at King Henry VIII Comprehensive School last week having previously been performed at Monmouth Comprehensive, Caldicot School and Chepstow School.

The play is supported by Connecting Youth Culture and in partnership with the South East Wales Safeguarding Children Board.

It served to raise awareness of healthy and unhealthy relationships in both the real world and online while also encouraging young people to seek support and keep safe against sexual abuse and exploitation.

The two hour session featured the 30-minute play following four teenagers through their experiences of the internet, relationships and family life.

It was followed by a large group discussion exploring themes arising from the production and facilitated smaller drama workshops examining strategies to guard against, and seek help from, sexual abuse and exploitation.

One of the play's writers, Jules Dorey Richmond, said: “The response to 'It’s Not OK' has been overwhelmingly positive. During the tour we have again found that drama is an effective tool for engaging young people in, and talking about, difficult subject matter."

Monmouthshire County Council’s Chief Executive Paul Matthews added: “This production has been very well received in our schools and is an effective method of getting across the message to children that sexual grooming and exploitation are wholly unacceptable and anyone affected should ask for immediate support.”