Keeping safe

As you move towards becoming an adult you will naturally have more choice about the things you do and where you go. This might include socialising in spaces shared with adults and attending events such as parties, concerts and festivals, without supervision from a parent or carer. You will also have more freedom around travelling alone and the distance you can be away from home.

It is important you understand how to keep yourself safe when out at new or crowded places and at night.

It will be helpful for to know the risks around certain situations and take steps to protect yourself and this way you will be able to enjoy your social activities and new found independence safely.

Also remember the importance of keeping safe online by protecting your identity and personal information and being aware of the law around sharing intimate images (sexting).

Remember criminals often target people online for financial scams or to exploit them - do not share any details of your location with people you have met online.

Communicate

Make sure you tell someone where you are going and agree a timeframe for keeping in touch and getting in. Make clear plans with friends and stay together, don’t let anyone in your group get left alone and take shared responsibility for staying safe. Make sure your mobile phone is charged or take a power pack with you.

Travel

Plan ahead, check bus and train schedules, use a map or location app to understand where you will be going and directions. Have a back-up plan if your travel plans fail (this could be an alternative method of transport, or an agreement with a parent/carer about how you would manage this such as being picked up, staying at a friends or taxi services).

If you are planning to travel abroad, make sure you are familiar with the local area, rules, regulations, laws and customs of the country you plan to visit.

Be aware

Whilst most of your social activities will be fun and problem free, it is important to bear in mind that busy, crowded, unfamiliar places can bring potential threats. Things such as crime, pickpocketing, theft and robbery can happen more easily. Keep your belongings safe, valuables out of sight and be mindful of people around you. Try to keep in areas with good street lighting and avoid being in isolated areas.

Take extra care in certain areas

Be careful around railways, busy roads, rivers and canals and don’t accept lifts from people you don’t know or people who have consumed alcohol or drugs. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and protect yourself from sun, rain or cold.

Dangers of alcohol and drugs

You might be more likely to be exposed to substance use in some social situations, particularly if you are mixing in spaces intended for adults. Follow the link to our page on substance use for more information about the law and substances, the associated dangers and how to keep safe.

Be aware of the dangers of drink spiking - more information in the links below.

Help in an emergency

Agree in advance who you will contact if you need help in a situation. Remember that in an emergency you should call 999 for emergency services who will be able to direct you to the appropriate help.

For more advice about keeping safe speak to one of our team.

You can Call Us on 0300 029 50 50 or Text Us on 07520 649887 to start a conversation.

Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays).

If you're concerned about any images or videos you've seen on the internet or you have received obscene material, please report it in any of these other ways:

If you suspect someone is in immediate danger, call 999 now. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use the textphone service 18000 or text on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service.

Call the non-emergency, 24/7 number: 101. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use the textphone service on 18001 101.

Report it online as soon as possible.

Visit a police station to speak to an officer in person.

Contact Crimestoppers confidentially and anonymously.

Report it to the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) or the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) who will investigate and try to close any offending websites down.