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The parent + child safety guide
This guide helps parents teach children practical safety skills, recognise early warning signs, and respond calmly with the safest next steps.
It’s designed to be clear, non-frightening, and practical.If a child is in immediate danger,
call 999 (UK)
Section 1
The goal (what we’re really building) We are creating a safe passage for every child
from birth to adulthood.
That means:
- children learn simple skills early (boundaries + help-seeking)
- parents learn how to teach those skills without fear
- families know what to do when something feels wrong
- communities support each other so nobody carries concern alone
Section 2
— The 5 foundations to teach every child (age‑appropriate)
1) Body boundaries
Your body belongs to you. You can say “no” to unwanted touch, games, or secrets.
2) Safe vs unsafe secrets
Surprises are usually temporary and feel good (like a birthday). Secrets that feel scary, confusing, or involve bodies are not okay to keep.
3) Trusted adults
Every child should know 3 trusted adults they can tell (and how to reach them).
4) Keep telling
If the first adult doesn’t listen, keep telling another trusted adult.
5) Feelings as signals
Teach simple language: “That felt wrong.”
“I felt uncomfortable.”
“I feel unsafe.”
Section 3
What parents do first: create a “telling culture”
The biggest protection is not one perfect rule. It’s a home where children speak up early.
Say this often:
- “You can tell me anything.”
- “You won’t be in trouble for telling the truth.”
- “I will stay calm and help you.”
- “If something feels wrong, we talk about it.
”Avoid:
- “Why didn’t you stop it?”
- “Are you sure?”-
“Don’t ever do that again”
(before you understand what happened)
- interrogations right away
Section 4
Practice drills (simple, powerful, non‑scary)These are short practice moments that build confidence.
A) The “Stop / No / Help” drill
(30 seconds)
Parent says:
“Let’s practise your strong voice.
”Child practises:
- hand up (like a stop sign)
- clear voice: “NO!”
- step back
- then: “I need help!”
Make it playful and confident, not frightening. Praise the voice and the clarity.
B) The “Trusted Adults” drill
(1 minute)
Ask: - “If you needed help, who are your 3 adults?”
- “How would you find them?”
- “If the first person is busy, who is next?”
C) The “Secrets” drill
(1 minute)
Ask: - “Is this a surprise or a secret?”
- “If a secret makes you feel worried, what do we do?
”Answer: “Tell a trusted adult.”
Section 5
Recognising early warning signs (calm clarity)
Not everything is harmful but some things should not be ignored.
Look for patterns like:
- secrecy that feels unusual
- sudden fear of a person/place or refusal to go- behaviour that seems “beyond their age”
- sudden changes in mood, sleep, or confidence
- strong distress, confusion, or shame after contact with someone or after online use
Important: signs don’t prove anything by themselves. They are signals to slow down, get curious, and choose a safe next step.
Section 6
How to respond if something feels wrong (the parent response)
Your first response affects whether your child will speak again.
1) Stay steady. Breathe. Keep your voice calm.
2) Make it safe to talk
“You’re not in trouble.”
“I’m glad you told me.”
“I’m here.”
3) Listen before acting
Let the child speak in their own words. Don’t push for details in the first moment.
4) Protect first If needed, create distance from the situation.
5) Write down factsDates, what was said, what you observed, who you spoke to.
6) Do not carry it alone
Reach out to appropriate safeguarding routes.
Section 7
What to do next (UK quick actions) If a child is in immediate danger: call 999.
If it involves a school:
- Ask to speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
If you’re unsure what the right next step is:
- Contact the NSPCC Helpline for advice.
If you believe a child is being harmed or at risk:
- Use your local authority children’s social care route
(see [GOV.UK](http://GOV.UK) guidance below).
Section 8
Online basics (simple, practical)
For children (age‑appropriate):
- If something online feels weird or scary: stop, close it, tell a trusted adult.
- Never share pictures or personal details without a trusted adult.
- If someone asks for secrets or pictures: tell a trusted adult immediately.
For parents:
- Keep devices in shared spaces when possible (especially for younger children).
- Agree simple rules and repeat them often.
- Prioritise trust and openness over punishment (punishment can create secrecy).
Section 9
What this project is (and is not)
We are:
- an education + guidance platform for families
- a community approach to support safer childhood environments
We are not:
- law enforcement
- an investigation group
- a place to share names or identifying details
Section 10
Sources (validated starting points)
We build this guide from established safeguarding guidance. Use these links for the official wording and local procedures:
-
**GOV.UK (DfE)**
-
What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-to-do-if-youre-worried-a-child-is-being-abused--2
-
Direct PDF: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a80597640f0b62302692fa1/What_to_do_if_you_re_worried_a_child_is_being_abused.pdf
-
**GOV.UK (DfE)** — Working together to safeguard children
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children--2
(If you want the 2026 PDF specifically): https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69c2c4ce380a2a73a7cf9df4/Working_together_to_safeguard_children_2026.pdf
-
NSPCC — Report child abuse / NSPCC Helpline
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/report/
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NHS — Talking to your child about feelings
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/talk-to-children-about-feelings/
-
Brook — Sexual behaviours traffic light tool
https://www.brook.org.uk/education/sexual-behaviours-traffic-light-tool/
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CSA Centre — What you need to know about child sexual abuse
https://www.csacentre.org.uk/research-resources/need-to-know-child-sexual-abuse/