If you are raising a Black boy in the UK, there are some conversations you cannot afford to avoid.
The statistics are uncomfortable.
Black people make up around 4% of the population of England and Wales, yet account for around 12% of the prison population. In the year ending June 2025, Black offenders made up 25% of the prison population for under-18s and 21% of those aged 18–24. Black children are also significantly more likely to experience police interventions such as strip searches than their White peers.
Whatever your view is on why these disparities exist, one thing is clear: parents cannot afford to be passive. You must know your child’s friends and where they spend their time. Know who influences them. Know what is happening in their world when they leave your house.
Have conversations with them about peer pressure, gangs, exploitation, drugs, social media and joint enterprise. Too many families believe that if their child was not the person holding the weapon or directly committing the offence, they have nothing to worry about. The law is not always that simple.
You should also teach your child to understand their rights. If they ever find themselves being arrested or interviewed by the police, they should know that they are entitled to free legal advice. Seeking legal advice before answering questions can be one of the most important decisions a young person makes in that situation.
As a social worker, I have met parents who were genuinely shocked by what their child was involved in because they thought, “my child would never.” Love your child enough to have the uncomfortable conversations.
Black boys often face a different set of risks, pressures and outcomes in the society they are growing up in. Pretending otherwise does not prepare them for the world.
On Eid al-Adha, I send my warmest wishes to all those celebrating across the UK and around the world.
At this special time, I wish you and your loved ones peace, joy and good health.
May Eid bring comfort and inspire us all to continue standing together in the spirit of unity and mutual respect.
Eid Mubarak.
daily dhikr:
• SubhanAllah x33
• Alhamdulillah x33
• Allahu akbar x34
• la ilaha illa Allah
• Astagfirullah
• la hawla wala quwatta illa billah
• Subhan Allahi wa bi hamdihi
• Subhan Allahi adhim
• SubhanAllah wal hamdulillah, wa la ilaha ill Allah wa Allahu akbar
NEWS: The Crescent for the month of Dhul Hijjah was SEEN today subsequently tomorrow i.e Monday, 18 May 2026 will be the first day of Dhul Hijjah 1447
Day of Arafah: Tuesday, 26 May 2026
Eid Al Adha: Wednesday, 27 May 2026