Drill music: the experience and beliefs of carers supporting looked after children in residential child care

The research sought to understand carers in residential children’s homes experiences of drill music; a genre of music that has attracted controversy and been linked by professionals and agencies to both youth violence and criminal exploitation. Twenty-one carers from 11 different residential homes took part in focus groups, and thematic analysis identified seven core themes. Carers expressed concerns that drill music promotes gang culture and identities, and children need scaffolding around their relationship with the music, but nevertheless stated that drill music provides opportunities to build connections with young people in care, and can help them process and understand their early adverse childhood experiences. The authors make recommendations around safer use guidance so carers have the confidence and knowledge to support children engaged with drill music, in addition to providers offering mandatory training and developing youth culture champions to promote BAME diversity, and ensure carers keep abreast of ever-evolving youth culture.