Everyone needs to feel safe so they can feel happy and do their best.
What kind of things might make me feel unsafe?
- Being hurt by an adult or another child.
- Being touched in a way I don’t like.
- Not being looked after by people at home.
- Seeing people I love being hurt.
If anyone is making you feel unsafe, it is not your fault.
What should I do if I am worried about something or about a friend?
- Tell an adult in school.
- Tell an adult at home.
- Tell a friend.
There are people in school who have had special training to try and help make you feel safe again. You, adults at home or your friends can always talk to one of these people.
Below is a telephone number and website for Childline. Childline offers free, confidential advice and support whatever your worry, whenever you need help.
Childline
What are the PANTS rules?
Privates are private
Your underwear covers up your private parts and no one should ask to see or touch them. Sometimes a doctor, nurse or family members might have to. But they should always explain why, and ask you if it's OK first.
Always remember your body belongs to you
Your body belongs to you. No one should ever make you do things that make you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. If someone asks to see or tries to touch you underneath your underwear say 'NO' – and tell someone you trust and like to speak to.
No means no
No means no and you always have the right to say ‘no’ – even to a family member or someone you love. You’re in control of your body and the most important thing is how YOU feel. If you want to say ‘No’, it’s your choice.
Talk about secrets that upset you
There are good and bad secrets. Good secrets can be things like surprise parties or presents for other people. Bad secrets make you feel sad, worried or frightened. You should tell an adult you trust about a bad secret straight away.
Speak up, someone can help
Talk about stuff that makes you worried or upset. If you ever feel sad, anxious or frightened you should talk to an adult you trust. This doesn't have to be a family member. It can also be a teacher or a friend's parent – or even Childline.
Bullying
There is no legal definition of bullying. But it is usually defined as repeated behaviour which is intended to hurt someone either emotionally or physically, and is often aimed at certain people because of their race, religion, gender or sexual orientation or any other aspect such as appearance or disability.
If you are worried about bullying and would like some advice, here is a great website with useful information.
Walking Safely to and from school
- You should NEVER take rides from other people that have not been arranged by your parent/carer. This includes people who you may know, as well as strangers.
- If you are approached by someone you do not know you should go to the nearest shop or public building and ask for help.
- We strongly encourage you to walk to school with a friend/group of friends so that you are not on your own.
- Before you start to walk to school on your own, practice the route with your parent/carer. You should NEVER be talked into changing the route you have practiced or taking a short cut by your friends.
- Always use traffic lights or zebra crossings when available.
The Golden Rules for Crossing The Road Safely
Stop at the kerb or edge of the street.
- Look left, right, left and behind you and in front of you for traffic.
- Wait until no traffic is coming and begin crossing.
- Keep looking for traffic until you have finished crossing.
- Walk, don’t run across the street.