Keeping kids safe

Travel safe

Travelling to school or other familiar places by themselves is an opportunity for children and young people to develop confidence and new skills.

Child sexual abuse

Sexual abuse of children is against the law. Child sexual abuse is when an adult, another child or adolescent uses their power to involve a child in sexual activity. Sexual activity includes sexual intercourse and a range of sexual behaviours that can be physical, verbal or emotional.

I am concerned about a child

If you have concerns about a child’s safety it can be difficult to know what to do. Most children and young people live in safe and supportive environments however some will sadly experience child abuse.

Talking personal safety

It is the responsibility of adults to keep children safe, this includes helping them develop personal safety skills. It is not about scaring or frightening children but increasing communication and learning new skills.

Cybersafety

The internet can be a wonderful tool for children to learn, communicate with others and play games, but this isn’t without risks. Children are accessing technology and the internet at a younger age than ever before. It’s never too early to start chatting to your child about how to stay safe online.

Cyberbullying

Promoting self-care during a crisis

During times of crisis, children and young people will normally look to the adults in their life as role models for how to cope and keep themselves safe. If adults are modeling positive behaviour strategies for dealing with crisis and stress, children are more likely to follow suit.

Communication during a crisis

How we communicate with children and young people during a time of crisis can directly influence these outcomes.

Positive coping strategies

Responding to a Disclosure of Abuse

For most children, discussing abuse is extremely challenging and emotionally stressful. They may suffer a high level of anxiety and distress from fear of repercussions.

Video calling

Video calling is fast becoming a popular part of our everyday lives. Apps such as Facetime, Whatsapp, Messenger and Skype are now being used for a range of purposes from socialising with friends and family to engaging in extracurricular activities and online learning for school.

Safety Planning

Harmful sexual behaviours

Parents and carers play a crucial role in keeping children and young people safe from harm and abuse.  This factsheet has been specifically designed to provide parents and carers with the necessary information and tools to help them to identify and respond to harmful sexual behaviours effectively.

How to be a safety helper

A safety helper is an adult who forms part of a child or young person’s safety network. Safety helpers are responsible for making sure children feel safe and heard.