CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
Welcome to the Children & Young People pages
The Lewisham Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) is tasked with ensuring services are equipped to keep children and young people safe.
This section aims to provide you with useful information on where to seek help and support if you are worried about your own, or another child/young person's safety. We have included some tips and information on things that young people have told us worries them, as well as useful website links and video clips. We want all children and young people in Lewisham to have happy, safe lives. This can start with looking after yourself first, so read on.
It’s Good To Talk
It may sound simple but if you are worried about anything the best thing you can do is talk to someone you trust. This could be
- Friend
- Parent/carer
- Teacher
- Youth worker
- Social worker
They may not always know exactly what to do but if they are an adult they can find out and help you. Just talking to someone can help you realise whether your worry is little and may just sort itself out in time or whether it is a big worry which means you need to do something about it as it is not going to get better until you do. Friends can be useful at helping you decide if your problem is big or small and they can help you tell an adult if you need to.
SOME WORRIES YOUNG PEOPLE MAY HAVE:
My parents argue and shout all the time
People don’t always get along. In the same way you fall out with your friends, sometimes parents can disagree over things. This sometimes means they argue and shout at each other which can be scary if you see or hear it. Most of the time adults are able to calm down and make friends with each other after an argument. Most adults sort out their differences by talking to each other. If the arguments happen regularly you could try to talk to your parents. If they realise that their arguments are upsetting you then it should help them to stop it. If you can’t talk to your parents or the arguments are violent then you need to talk to an adult you can trust. Click here for more information on Domestic Abuse.
Someone is hurting me
You can be hurt physically when someone injures your body in some way such as hitting you or you can be emotionally hurt when someone calls you names or says things that make you feel bad about yourself. Sometimes in families brothers and sisters can be quite mean to each other but they still shouldn’t physically hurt each other. If you are worried about this talk to your parent or carer. If someone else is hurting you then you need to tell someone you can trust. If it’s other children hurting you then this could be bullying.
I’m scared when I walk home
It’s quite normal to be worried when walking around on your own especially at night. Lots of young people get concerned about walking past certain areas or groups of other young people. Click here for our top tips on walking home alone.
I’m scared on-line
If something happens on-line that worries you tell an adult immediately or click on the CEOP icon to report your concern
See our Online Safety page. If it is people you know making nasty comments tell someone you can trust and have a look at our section on bullying for help.
Bullying
Bullying can happen to anyone at any age and can take place at school, online, in the street or even at home. Bullying is when someone or a group of people do things that hurt you and make you feel scared or bad about yourself. This can include:
- hitting
- pushing
- name calling
- teasing
- talking about you
- taking money and possessions
If this happens to you then you need to tell an adult so they can help you. Bullies like to be kept secret so they can get away with their bad behaviour so tell someone and then they can’t get away with it. By reporting it you could stop them doing it to someone else.
Cyber or On-Line Bullying
This is when someone or a group upset or humiliate you using the internet, on-line games, email, apps, social media, or text. It is the same as any other form of bullying but you don’t always know who is doing it.
- If you get any horrible comments or messages take a screen shot immediately and show it to an adult. It can be hard but the best thing to do is not respond to any nasty comments and if they keep happening take action
- You can report online bullies by pressing the CEOP button that is on most websites
- Immediately block anyone who bullies you online. Even if you know the person, if they start being unkind to you then block them and report them to the website
- Always make sure your profile is safe and you have used the privacy settings so only people you know can see your posts
ChildLine has more information on how to deal with bullying on different social media sites.
Visit our Online Safety page for more information to stay safe online and bullying.
No one has the right to hurt you or make you feel bad and you don’t have to put up with it. If you are being bullied tell someone you trust NOW!
Domestic & Relationship Abuse
Young People & Relationship Abuse
Most relationships are healthy and safe, and our parents or carers, extended family, boyfriends, girlfriends and friends want the best for us and treat us well. However sometimes this isn’t the case.
Relationship (domestic) abuse is when someone hurts, threatens or makes you feel scared or uncomfortable. It isn’t just physical violence but any type of controlling, bullying, threatening or violent behaviour between people in a relationship and includes emotional, physical, sexual, financial or psychological abuse.
Abuse is not normal and never ok regardless of how old you are. If you are in a relationship with someone, you should feel loved, safe, respected and free to be yourself. There are different forms of abuse and for more information and to find out where to get help visit: Disrespect NoBody Campaign website
Remember it’s not your fault and it is important to talk about it with someone you trust.
Has anyone given you money, drugs, alcohol or gifts and somewhere to stay and then forced you to…
- have sex with them?
- do something sexual to them?
- be touched inappropriately, in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable?
- look at sexual images?
- watch them to something sexual?
Go to our page on Multi-Agency Child Exploitation (MACE) Strategy & Resources to find out more
The Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 defines domestic violence as ‘any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who are, or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.’
Domestic abuse is any incident of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse:
- between people aged over 16
- who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members
and can involve
- Physical: being hit
- Sexual: rape, sexual assault, degrading treatment
- Financial: having money withheld or being forbidden from getting a job
- Social: not being allowed to see friends and family or go out
- Psychological: constantly telling someone they are worthless and so reducing their self-esteem and confidence
- Emotional: telling a person their children will be taken from them if they leave or that no one else will love them
It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, social background, gender, religion, sexuality or ethnicity, and can begin at any stage of the relationship.
Domestic abuse can also include forced marriage and so-called “honour crimes”.
It’s abuse if your partner or a family member:
- puts you down, or attempts to undermine your self-esteem
- controls you, for example by stopping you seeing your friends and family
- is jealous and possessive, such as being suspicious of your friendships and conversations
- frightens you
Domestic abuse and safeguarding children
Children who live in families where there is domestic abuse can suffer serious long-term emotional and psychological effects. Even if they are not physically harmed or do not witness acts of violence, they can pick up on the tensions and harmful interactions between adults.
Children will learn their behaviour from examples set by other people around them and exposure to domestic abuse teaches children negative things about people and their relationships. For instance:
- It teaches them that violence is acceptable and that they can use it
- They learn how to keep secrets
- They learn to mistrust those close to them
Being exposed to domestic violence can have a long-lasting effect on children which could affect their ability to form relationships in the future, including:
- Blaming themselves for the violence
- Feeling frightened
- Becoming withdrawn
- Bedwetting
- Running away
- Aggressiveness
- Behavioural difficulties
- Problems with school
- Poor concentration
- Emotional turmoil
- Lack of respect
- Loss of self-confidence
Who to contact
POLICE: 101 or in an emergency 999
Services Available to Lewisham Residents
Refuge, The Athena Service
The Athena service, run by Refuge provides confidential, non-judgmental support to those living in the London Borough of Lewisham who are experiencing gender-based violence. It opened its doors in April 2015 and provides outreach programmes, independent advocacy, group support, refuge accommodation and a specialist service for young women.
It provides the following services, all under one roof:
- One-to-one confidential, non-judgmental, independent support
- A specialist independent gender-based violence advocacy (IGVA) team to support clients at risk of serious harm
- A specialist service for 13-19 year-old girls
- Group support
- A peer support scheme to help break isolation; build social networks and provide support clients regain control of their lives
- Volunteering opportunities
Telephone: Athena Service on 0800 112 4052
Email: lewishamvawg@refuge.org.uk
Website: Refuge Athena One Stop Shop Services
African Advocacy Foundation
A community-led organisation working to promote better access to health, education and other opportunities for disadvantaged communities in the UK, Europe and parts of Africa.
African Advocacy provide practical support, policy work, advocacy, information, guidance and training to professionals and community members alike. African advocacy work to empower individuals and families experiencing multiple disadvantages and barriers including ill health, poverty, deprivation, violence, isolation and those relating to language, culture, faith and other social issues.
Location:
CATFORD (MAIN) OFFICES:
76 Elmer Road, Catford, London SE6 2ER
Telephone:
0208 698 4473
Website: https://www.africadvocacy.org/
BelEve UK
The purpose is to equip girls and young women with the right support, skills and confidence to make informed choices about their future; improve their educational, social and economic outcomes whilst taking control of their lives.
Location:
The Albany, Deptford, SE8 4AQ
Telephone:
0203 372 5779
Website: https://beleveuk.org/
Latin American Women’s Rights Service (LAWRS)
LAWRS has a zero tolerance policy of any form of Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG). Our team offers advice, advocacy and practical support to Latin American women who are experiencing or have experienced Domestic Violence, Harmful practices or any other form of violence.
Location:
Tindlemanor, 52-54 Featherstone Street.
London, EC1Y 8RT
Telephone:
020 7336 0888, 084 4264 0682
Website: http://www.lawrs.org.uk/
IKWRO – Women’s Rights Organisation
IKWRO are committed to providing non-judgmental support to women who speak Kurdish, Arabic, Turkish, Farsi, Dari, Pashtu and English.
Location:
IKWRO – Women’s Rights Organisation
PO Box 75229
LONDON
E15 9FX
Telephone:
0207 920 6460
Website: http://ikwro.org.uk/
Women and Girls Network (WGN)
WGN is a free, women-only service providing a holistic response to women and girls who have experienced, or are at risk of, gendered violence.
Telephone:
0808 801 0660
Website: http://www.wgn.org.uk/
WE Women (Women Empowering Women)
We Women is a collaboration of women which has been delivering community support to women since March 2017. In August 2018, we women became a constituted community group.
We Women are entirely volunteer run, and our aims are to:
- Empower women to be more self-sufficient
- Improve women’s health & well-being
- Address the material impacts of poverty within the local community
Location:
Pepys Resource Centre Old Library Deptford Strand London
London
Greater London
SE8 3BA
United Kingdom
Telephone:
020 8691 3146
Website: https://www.lewishamlocal.com/places/united-kingdom/greater-london/london/lewisham-groups/we-women-women-empowering-women/
Early Years Alliance - Lewisham Children's and Family Centres
The Alliance is working together with Clyde Nursery School, Beecroft Garden School and Kelvin Grove/Eliot Bank and Downderry Children’s Centres to deliver a clear seamless borough wide children’s centre offer for families in the London Borough of Lewisham, working alongside health visiting, midwifery, schools and public health services.
Lewisham Children and Family Centres offer families access to a range of health, education, play, parenting, adult education, employment support and family support services right across the borough.
Website: https://www.lewishamcfc.org.uk/
National Stalking Helpline – Suzy Lamplugh Trust
The National Stalking Helpline is run by Suzy Lamplugh Trust. Their mission is to reduce the risk of violence and aggression through campaigning, education and support.
Telephone: 0808 802 0300
Website: https://www.suzylamplugh.org/
METRO
METRO is a leading equality and diversity charity providing health, community and youth services across London and the south-east, with some national and international projects. METRO promotes health, wellbeing and equality through youth services, mental health services and sexual health and HIV services and works with anyone experiencing issues related to gender, sexuality, diversity or identity.
Location: 141 GREENWICH HIGH ROAD, GREENWICH, SE10 8JA
Telephone: 020 8305 5000
Website: https://metrocharity.org.uk/
RASASC - Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre Rape Crisis South London
RASAC believe too many women have had to be silent for too long about the violence perpetrated against them.
They understand that it can be difficult to speak up, hard to find the words or to believe that anyone will listen.
RASAC will listen. They believe. They will stand up alongside you. You do not have to do this alone.
Telephone: 0808 802 9999
Postal Address:
PO BOX 383, Croydon, CR9 2AW
Website: http://www.rasasc.org.uk/contact/
Stonewall
Information and campaigning for LGBT rights. Got a question? A problem? Need support? Stone wall are here to help with any issues affecting LGBT people or their families. Whatever your situation, you’re not on your own. Stonewall will do what they can to help or point you in the right direction to someone who can.
Telephone: 0800 0502020
Write to Stonewall: Stonewall 192 St. John Street London EC1V 4JY
Website: https://www.stonewall.org.uk/help-advice/contact-stonewalls-information-service
Respect
Men and women working together to end domestic violence
Telephone: 0808 802 4040
Address: The Green House
244-254 Cambridge Heath Road
London
E2 9DA
Website: http://respect.uk.net/
The Deaf Health Charity – Sign Health
www.signhealth.org.uk/our-projects/deafhope-projects/
Text: 07970350366
Rights of women
www.rightsofwomen.org.uk
Respect Helpline for men
0808 8010327
www.respectphoneline.org.uk/help-for-domestic-abuse-victims
Women's Aid live chat
This is an online chatting service which is ideal for victims who are self-isolating and do not want to be heard.
www.chat.womensaid.org.uk
www.womensaid.org.uk
0117 944 44 11
NSPCC Helpline - 0800 028 3550 or fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk
GALOP National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline
0800 999 5428
www.galop.org.uk/domesticabuse
Supporting documents
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Questioning Support
METRO Charity is a leading equality and diversity charity, providing health, community, and youth services across London and the South East, with national and International projects. METRO Youth works with anyone experiencing issues around sexuality, gender, equality, diversity, and identity across our five domains:
- Sexual & Reproductive Health
- Community
- Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Youth
- HIV
METRO Youth offer a free and confidential youth group and service for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people.
Zest - 16 years and under - Friday evenings, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, Greenwich
Zest is a free and confidential youth group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 16 in South East London. The group meets every Friday after school. Zest is a friendly & safe space to meet other LGBTQ young people, get support and enjoy fun activities, trips out and workshops about things that interest you.
Click-through link here: https://metrocharity.org.uk/youth/metro-zest
Zest Flyer
Live - 16 - 25 years - Wednesday evenings, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, New Cross
LiVE is a free and confidential youth group and service for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, & questioning (LGBTQ) young people in Lewisham aged 16-25. It’s a friendly and safe place to meet other young LGBTQ people. We run fun activities, trips out and workshops about things that interest you. LiVE is a free and confidential place to get support from dedicated and experienced youth workers.
We offer access to a range of other free services. Click-through link here: https://metrocharity.org.uk/youth/metro-live
Live Flyer
Get in Touch
Telephone: 020 8305 5000
Email: youth@metrocharity.org.uk
Facebook: METRO Charity
Resources
https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/training/
https://www.itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/genderbread-person/
Online Safety
The internet is a great way for children and young people to connect with others and learn new things. It’s important that they learn how to do this safely. This video highlights a social experiment “Follow me” by Barnardos. We want to help you keep your child safe online just like you do in the real world.
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what_we_do/advertising_campaigns/followme.htm
The internet is a great way to connect with others and learn new things. It’s important you know how to stay safe and keep others safe online.
Top Tips for Staying Safe Online for Children & Young People
Be careful what photos and video’s you post online or share with a “boyfriend or girlfriend”. It can be difficult to control who can see them and how they will be shared, you may not want it to go viral! Don’t post anything you wouldn’t want your teachers or parents to see. Taking, making, sharing and possessing indecent images and pseudo-photographs of people under 18 is illegal and you could be prosecuted. A pseudo-photo is an image made by graphics or art which appears to be a photo. This can include, photo’s, video’s, tracings, and anything that can be converted into a photo. You can read the full “Indecent Images of children: guidance for young people” here
Be careful who you talk to. Someone might not be who they say they are. Friends you make on-line are still strangers, even if you’ve been talking to them for a long time. You can say no and/or log out of your computer. Don’t meet up with friends you make online unless you’ve talked it through with an adult you trust first and they can help you stay safe.
Don’t be afraid to block someone. You don’t have to put up with bullying or seeing anything that you find upsetting. Report it to the site administrator and talk to an adult you trust. Remember you can choose to close the App or Website at any time.
Always put the privacy settings on and don’t share personal information, including details like your date of birth, home address, email address, phone number, passwords or any other information that may be useful to someone who wants to bully or hurt you.
Think about how you’re feeling before you go online, could someone be offended or upset by what you’re saying or posting? You may say something you regret later on and damage your reputation. Your digital footprint will last forever, even if you have deleted something from your device or profile it may still be visible to other people on other networks. It has been known for young people to find their college and / or job applications be affected by something they posted online.
Unfortunately, there are people who go online to bully others or get them to do things that could be illegal or harmful to you or others. If you are bullied or are worried about anything you see, hear, or are asked to do something either online or in the real world, tell a parent or another trusted adult, like your teacher, or contact Junior Crimestoppers @ www.fearless.org . Preserve evidence by saving or taking a screen shot of the message or material and report it to the site administrator – all sites have a no blame culture with children and young people. You do not have to do anything you don’t want to or anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.
If you see something on a social network site, a website, or someone tries to draw you into extremist or radicalised views, you can get help by contacting the Prevent Team, prevent@lewisham.gov.uk.
We recommend you keep your knowledge and skills of staying safe in a digital world up-to-date by regularly looking at the ThinkUKnow website, however there are some other good sites you may also like to look at:-
Top Tips for Parents and Carers of Children & Young People in The Digital World
To help your child to enjoy the experience of accessing the digital world we recommend you talk to your child about keeping themselves safe and what to do if they see or hear something that they find upsetting, like taking a screen shot of the evidence and reporting concerns to the site administrator, or the police via www.ceop.police.uk . Remind them they can close the App or website at any time, and most importantly to talk to you if they are worried or upset.
Web based information and social networking sites can increase the risk of a child or young person being groomed for sexual exploitation, criminal activity, general exploitation, or violent extremism. It is common for the child or young person to not recognise they are being exploited or groomed. The best way to make sure they stay safe is to have regular, open conversations with your child. You can also look through the history browser to see what websites have been accessed. If you do become worried that your child is being radicalised you can contact the Prevent Team, on 020 8314 6000 or email prevent@lewisham.gov.uk. You can also report any other exploitation or abuse that takes place online the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub on 020 8314 6660 or email mashagency@lewisham.gov.uk.
Sometimes children and young people don’t think about the images they post online or share with their “boyfriend” or “girlfriend”. In response to this, the government have issued guidance for children and young people on the sharing of indecent images, this can be read here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/indecent-images-of-children-guidance-for-young-people/indecent-images-of-children-guidance-for-young-people
Online gaming via consoles, phones, and apps can provide a child access to talking to strangers and building “virtual friendships”. It is important your child understands it can be dangerous to share personal information as the person may not be who they say they are. Have a conversation with your child about this, particularly in case your child considers meeting up with someone they have spoken to online. If you do agree to this, we recommend you meet with them too, as they may not be who they say they are and it could lead to your child being harmed.
When considering buying a game or app for your child, think about the recommended age restriction and research the game on YouTube first. You may be surprised at the level of violence or content of some games and it may not be appropriate for your child’s age.
We recommend you keep your knowledge and skills of staying safe in a digital world up-to-date and by regularly by looking at the ThinkUKnow website: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ and talking to your child about their experiences.
NSPCC On-line Safety has advice and tools to help keep your child safe online.
Think You Know provides advice on online parenting. There is also further information at Think You Know training.
Child Exploitation & Online Protection (CEOP)
CEOP is there to support young people, parents and carers while surfing online, and offers help and advice on topics such as:
- cyberbullying
- hacking
- harmful content
It also enables people to immediately report anything online which they find concerning, such as harmful or inappropriate content, or possible grooming behaviour. For more information, or to report concerns, simply click on the CEOP Icon
Feelings, Self-harm & Suicide Ideation
Feelings
Talking about feelings can be tricky. Emotions are often messy and difficult to deal with, especially when you’re young or feeling vulnerable. But they don’t need to be a stressful part of our lives and we learn to manage them well.
By developing our ability to be resilient, and sharing this knowledge with others, we can boost all our chances of living happier, healthier lives.
It’s time to break the silence surrounding mental illness, crush taboos and get young people in Lewisham feeling good about themselves and energised by life.
Kooth is an online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people aged 11+. It is accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop and free at the point of use.
Self-Harm & Suicide Ideation in Children & Young People
Mental health problems affect around one in 10 children and young people . This includes depression, anxiety, and conduct disorder, and are often a direct response to what is happening in their lives.
Self-harm is when someone hurts themselves on purpose and is a way of expressing deep distress, a way of communicating what cannot be put into words, with very difficult feelings that could build up inside. It is not attention seeking behaviour.
Self-Harm is a very common behaviour in young people and affects around one in 12 young people.
Warning signs of Self-Harm
- People who self-harm may suffer mood swings and become withdrawn.
- Unexplained wounds.
- Have a lack of motivation.
- There may be changes in their eating habits.
- They may cover up their body (even in warm weather).
Warning signs of Suicide Ideation
They may be:
- Quiet, brooding, or withdrawn.
- Feeling exhausted and distant.
- Feeling cut off from those around them.
- Not making eye contact.
- Agitated, irritable or rude.
- Talking about suicide or saying it’s all hopeless.
- Desperate for help but afraid to ask.
They may also:
- Be busy, chirpy, laughing and joking, talking about future plans, and telling you not to worry about them.
The safest way to know if someone is thinking about suicide is to ask them. If a person is suicidal the idea is already there. If they aren’t suicidal it won’t do any harm. Saying something is safer than saying nothing.
Risk Factors of Self-Harm & Suicide Ideation
- Stressful life events.
- Isolation.
- Low self-esteem.
- On-going family relationship problems.
- Being bullied at school.
- Bereavement.
- Mental health problems – depression and delusional thoughts.
- Substance and alcohol misuse.
- Family circumstances.
- Stress and worry – academic pressure.
- Experience of abuse – physical, emotional, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, and forced marriage.
- Feelings of being rejected in their lives.
Types of Self-Harm
- Cutting of the skin with objects (e.g. razor blades, scissors, pens, bottle tops etc.)
- Scratching the skin.
- Picking wounds or interfering with healing.
- Burning.
- Ingesting toxic substances.
- Excessive drug or alcohol intake.
- Hitting or punching themselves.
- Head banging or biting themselves.
- Pulling hair out.
- Swallowing or inserting objects.
- Taking an overdose.
- Staying in an abusive relationship.
- Taking risks too easily.
- Restricting their eating.Young people can self-harm in a variety of body locations, i.e. arms, legs, abdomen, etc.
Responding to Self-Harm in Lewisham
If a child or young person overdoses or there is a serious self-harm incidence they should be taken to A&E in the first instance. An assessment will be undertaken which may involve a referral to the Children & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).
If you become aware of a young person who is self-harming or having suicidal thoughts. Explore their feelings with them and talk about the help available:-
Share what you know with the child’s parents / carers.
Resources
Coping with Self-Harm
Guide for anyone working with children and young people.
Calm Harm App.
Services
- Young Minds
- Parents Helpline 0808 802 55 44
- Advice for professionals
- GP – Make an appointment to talk about your concerns. Your child may need some support from the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
- Kooth
- Online chat support for young people
- Papyrus Hopeline 0800 068 41 41
- Confidential advice for young people
- Advice for parents / carers.
- Advice for professionals
- ChildLine – 0800 11 11
- Confidential advice for young people
- Advice for professionals
- Place2Be
- Individual one to one, drop in counselling for children and young people experiencing emotional wellbeing issues at 10 schools in Lewisham.
- National Self-Harm Network
-
- UK charity offering moderated support forum for self-harm
- NHS Choices - Moodzone
-
- Online and audio resources to improve mental wellbeing and information about available treatments
- MindEd
- Online training for anyone working with 0-18 year olds
Sexual Exploitation
Sexual exploitation can be hard to recognise because you often believe you’re in a good relationship with the person, or people, who want to abuse your trust in them. It could be a friend, or a group of friends. It could be someone you think of as a boyfriend or girlfriend. It could be a person or a new group of people you’ve only just got to know. It could be someone you’ve talked to online. But whoever it is, they could use clever ways to take advantage of your relationship – and that means you can be harmed almost before you know what’s going on.
For example, someone might give you money, drugs, alcohol, gifts or somewhere to stay and then force you to do one or more of these things in return:
- have sex with them
- do something sexual to them
- be touched inappropriately, in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable
- look at sexual images – including films or pictures
- watch them do something sexual, including having sex or touching themselves sexually
That’s why it’s so important to look out for the warning signs in someone’s behaviour. So be aware, stay alert and keep safe.
What to do if you are worried about yourself or a friend
If you are worried about a situation that you or a friend is in, talk to an adult that you trust as soon as you can. You may also want to contact ChildLine on 0800 1111 or their website https://www.childline.org.uk/searchpage/?query.
If you, or a friend, are in immediate danger or want urgent help, call the police on 999.
Use our top tips to protect yourself from exploitation.
Three top tips to keep safe
- Trust yourself to know when something is wrong.
- If someone makes you feel unsafe, pressured or frightened, follow your instincts and seek help.
- Don’t trust people you don’t know, even if they seem friendly – and make sure you know who you are talking to online. Never give away personal details or agree to meet someone who you have only talked to online. Don’t be tricked into doing things that are unsafe, even if they seem like fun. What might look exciting at first could be more dangerous than you realise.
Trafficking
People trafficking is the movement of people from one area to another by use of force or threat for the purpose of some form of exploitation.
Examples of exploitation could be forcing a young person to have sex, forcing them into marriage, forcing the young person to work in horrible conditions or forcing them to carry out a crime.
Traffickers can be male and female and control young people by threatening to report them to the authorities, telling them they owe large sums of money, or by threats of violence to them or their families.
Signs of Trafficking:
Could this be you or a friend?
- Do you go missing from home?
- Are you prevented from going outside or locked in?
- Are you not allowed to go to school or college?
- Are you forced to earn a certain amount of money each day?
- Do you have an excessive amount of chores to do at home?
- Do you have a bad relationship with your parents or carers?
- Are you told you have a large debt to pay back?
- Are you afraid of being sent away from the UK?
Where to get help?
If you recognise any of these signs then you need to get help by calling the telephone numbers below:
Police – 101 or 999 in an emergency
Child Line 0800 1111
NSPCC 24 hour Child Protection helpline 0808 800 5000