Advice for children and young people
This page is for children and young people and has information and advice about what to do if you are worried about yourself or someone else under the age of 18.
What is Safeguarding?
Every child and young person has a right to be safe. Safeguarding means keeping you safe from any type of harm or neglect.All adults have a responsibility to protect you and it is the role of your parents or carers and adults such as teachers, learning mentors, doctors, nurses, social workers, police officers, faith leaders and sports coaches to ensure that you are safe. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, whether you are at home, school or are chatting online, you have the right to grow up safe from people hurting you or failing to ensure that you are cared for.
If you are worried about something that is happening to you or someone you know, you don’t have to deal with it on your own – visit the Childline website for advice www.childline.org.uk (Childline is not just for young children!)
According to the law, there are 4 main types of abuse that could cause harm or neglect. These are:
- Physical abuse: when an adult deliberately hurts a child, such as hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, drowning or suffocating.
- Emotional abuse: this would happen, for example, when a child is being unfairly blamed for everything all the time; or told they are stupid and made to feel unhappy.
- Sexual abuse: an example of sexual abuse would be where a child is forced to take part in sexual activities; or in taking rude photos.
- Neglect: this is when a child is not being looked after properly; for example, not getting enough to eat, or being left alone in dangerous situations.
If you are worried about something that is happening to you or someone you know, you don’t have to deal with it on your own – visit the Childline website for advice at www.childline.org.uk (Childline is not just for young children!).
Speak to a teacher or another adult you trust and they will help you to get the help you need or take a look at our Report a Concern page for who to call for help.
If you are finding it difficult to get support, you could get in touch with organisations like National Youth Advocacy Service or Help at Hand. They can make sure your views, feelings and wishes are heard and taken seriously and help you get the services you are entitled to.
Who else could help me?
If you need help you can speak to an adult you trust. It may be a doctor, key worker, teacher or social worker.
There are also lots of organisations who specialise in helping children and young people; here are some that you can contact or speak to confidential. For more details about these visit our Youth Information Website pages.
If you are missing from home, or thinking of running away, you can find help and advice by calling or texting the Runaway Helpline on 116000 or you can visit their website www.missingpeople.org.uk.
If you are worried that you are being bullied visit the Bullybusters website www.bullybusters.org.uk or call Bullybusters on 0800 169 6928 – they can provide support for victims of bullying and their families.