Safety advice for children and young people

If you've got a problem or are worried about a friend, it can be hard to know what to do to make the situation better. You don't have to manage on your own.

Talking to someone can make you feel better and help you find a solution. You can try talking to your friends or an adult you can trust, like a parent or teacher. There are also other people to help you. 

It can be hard to spot abuse, but there are signs you can look out for. 

• Physical abuse - When an adult hurts a child on purpose, such as hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, drowning or suffocating.
• Emotional abuse - For example when a child is being unfairly blamed for everything, or told they are stupid and made to feel unhappy.
• Neglect - Where a child is not being looked after properly, for example, not getting enough to eat or being left alone in dangerous situations.
• Sexual abuse - For example where a child has been forced to take part in sexual activities, or in the taking of rude photos.
• Child sexual exploitation
• Bullying - Some examples are; calling names, damaging property, stealing, spreading rumours, cyber bullying, hurting, getting people into trouble
• Domestic violence - When one adult in a family or relationship threatens, bullies or hurts another family member, either physically, psychologically, emotionally, sexually or financially. Find out more about domestic abuse.