Staying safe at home, online and in the community
We all want and need to feel safe in our day-to-day lives – whether that is at home, when we are online or in the community, including at school or college, with friends or at work. It is especially important, as we get older and begin to live more independently, to know when and where we may feel unsafe, how to keep ourselves safe and how and where to ask for help if we need it.
These are some simple things you can do to stay safe day-to-day:
- Talk to people you know and trust about any worries you might have
- Tell any carers, friends, or other trusted people, if you’re going somewhere on your own and what time you expect to be back
- Think carefully before doing or saying things online – never share personal details, look out for scams and be wary of talking to strangers
- Try and go to places with other people, like a small group of friends, especially if you’re going somewhere new or feel that it might be unsafe
- Don’t talk to or accept things from strangers. Speak to someone you know and trust if a stranger ever makes you feel unsafe.
Here are some resources you might find useful in helping you stay safe:
- The Children’s Society has some helpful advice if you’re thinking of running away from home.
- Childline has some good guidance about staying safe online, while the UK Safer Internet Centre also has some resources which are specially designed for 11-19 year-olds.
