Safeguarding means that as adults we have a duty to protect you from physical, emotional or mental harm.

As adults we have a responsibility to keep you safe from potential harm or neglect. These can be your parents or carers or day-to-day personnel that include teachers,  mentors, doctors, nurses, social workers, police officers, faith leaders and sports coaches, to name a few. We all have a duty to protect you. Whether you are at home, school or are chatting online, you have the right to grow up safe from people hurting you or failing to ensure that you are cared for. If you ever feel worried about someone mistreating you, you should not hesitate to reach out to an adult who you trust or who can help address your safeguarding concerns.

If you are worried about something that is happening to you or someone you know, you don’t have to deal with it on your own – visit the Childline website for advice at www.childline.org.uk

More information about what abuse can look like and how to keep safe can be found below and on the NSPCC website at www.nspcc.org.uk.

You can also check out a useful guide written by young people who have experienced abuse or neglect. You can find this on the SCIE website at www.nice.org.uk

Webtoon designed and produced by Chaeyoon Park, Good Neighbours UK volunteer