Practical Safeguarding Advice
Being a teenager is not easy – nor is being a teenager’s parent!
We thought it would be useful to create a space which includes some practical advice and information on some of the issues that sometimes worry parents when supporting their teenage children.
Of course, if you would like to talk to a member of staff about any of these concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
You will find lots of useful links and resources on Warwickshire’s safeguarding website:
| Area of Concern | Useful links and advice |
|---|---|
| Students struggling with mental health | Apps:
- Smiley Mind - Calm Harm - Move Mood - Clear Fear - Combined Minds - Stay Alive (Suicidal thoughts) - Worth Worrying - Safe Spot (coping strategies) Websites: Orli.health Guiding your family every step of the way - this is an AI intervention program which can tailor support and advice. FamOrli provides curated resources, and access to a supportive, professionally led community. Whether you’re a parent with a child on a waiting list, have been rejected by services, or are simply looking for support, this is the place for you. 'The Mix' is another agency that offers support for young people up to the age of 25. Speak To Our Team | Support For Mental Health & Other Issues | The Mix Youth Access - search the help section to find free or low-cost counselling. Find help | Youth Access 'YourSpace' at the Old Needleworks in Redditch offer mental health support for young people aged 11-25. There are also adult mental health services at the Needleworks too. The waiting list at the moment appears to be short in comparison to most. YourSpace Children and Young People's Hubs Childline have 'Calm Zone Resources' that students can access through their website. Calm zone | Childline Hub of Hope - you can search for nearby services 'find nearby services' Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma | Hub of hope On the NHS website, you can search for nearby services Mental health services - NHS ShoreSpace.org is a website that young people can contact anonymously for support and advice, this was launched to prevent harmful sexual behaviour's amongst young people. Home - Shore UK Trauma Council - Parents can access resources for CPD, bereavement, PTSD etc... UK Trauma Council For any students struggling with suicidal thoughts, this website is recommended by Worcestershire County Council, there is a section called 'Advice for supporting young people' if you click this, it takes you to some information slides and videos and helps the young person to make a safety plan. Young People | Staying Safe For students who are struggling specifically with anxiety, the following sites provide guidance: www.youngminds.org.uk/for_parents/worried_about_your_child/anxiety For parents who need more information about mental health conditions and the signs to look out for, Rethink.org has an A-Z about every mental health condition. Advice, information and support from the experts |
| Students who are self harming | http://selfharm.co.uk/ www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/self-harm/ |
| Students struggling with eating disorders | www.nhs.uk |
| Harmful sexual behaviour | Parents Protect Is a website we can share with parents that help parents to keep their children safe. There is information about online safety, tools and videos to help parents create a safety plan, details of warning signs to look out for and advice on what to do if parents have concerns.
The things I wish my parents had known...Young people's advice on talking to your child about online sexual harassment | Children's Commissioner for England The things I wish my parents had known…Young people’s advice on talking to your child about online sexual harassment. Teaching young people about consent - Schools Consent Project Teaching students about misogyny What is misogyny? Guidance for parents and carers | Internet Matters Home - Safeline An organisation who support people affected by sexual abuse. |
| Children experiencing bullying and cyber bullying | Cyberbullying is using the internet, email, online games or any digital technology to threaten, tease, upset or humiliate someone else. If the police consider a message or post to be potentially criminal, they will take appropriate action. There are some helpful links to support: National Bullying Helpline: Childline: Kidscape: |
| Children who have been affected by Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) | Children who are trafficked, exploited or coerced into committing crimes are victims in need of safeguarding and support. Though perceptions are altering, these young people are still often criminalised and perceived as having ‘made a choice’ to take part in illegal activity.
Child Exploitation is happening in Warwickshire www.warwickshire.gov.uk/keeping-child-safe/child-exploitation Children and young people have a right to be safe and should be protected from all forms of abuse. It’s everyone’s responsibility to spot the signs of child exploitation and protect children and young people in Warwickshire. https:/ / www.somethingsnotright.co.uk/ index.php?u= 3 How to get help You can get help in any of the ways below: Contact Family Connect (Children’s services) between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, on 01926 414144. Report exploitation to Warwickshire Police via their website or by calling 101. Contact Crimestoppers confidentially and anonymously on 0800 555 111. Contact your local Children and Family Centre. Talk to a trained counsellor on the 24- hour helplines run by ChildLine on 0800 11 11 and the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 Talk to an adult you trust, like a family friend, relative, teacher or another adult. Please see the website at https:/ / www.catch-22.org.uk/ child- criminalhttps:/ / www.catch-22.org.uk/ child-criminal- exploitation/ exploitation/ |
| Children affected by Child Sexual Exploitation |
Useful Websites Barnardo's www.barnardos.org.uk One of the leading charities supporting children at risk of, or who have experienced, sexual and criminal exploitation. They run services across the UK focusing on trauma recovery and provide direct support to families. The Children's Society www.childrenssociety.org.uk Provides nationwide support for children impacted by exploitation, gangs, and "county lines" (criminal exploitation). They offer resources and one-to-one support to help young people break free from exploitative situations. NSPCC www.nspcc.org.uk Offers comprehensive resources, including specialized advice on child sexual exploitation (CSE) and grooming. Their "Letting the Future In" programme helps children recover from abuse. Childline www.childline.org.uk Provides 24/7 confidential, free support for children and young people, including online chat, phone, and message boards. They offer specific advice on sexual abuse, grooming, and gangs. Ivison Trust www.ivisontrust.org.uk A dedicated charity supporting parents and carers whose children are, or are at risk of, being sexually or criminally exploited.
|
| Children who have been affected by Domestic Violence | West Mercia Women's Aid: 0800 980 3331 (Worcestershire) helpline@westmerciawomensaid.org
Equation is a charity- based support group for men, women and children |
| Children who have been affected by teenage relationship abuse | CRUSH is an awareness raising and support programme to help young people make safe and healthy relationships. The sessions are run in small groups and are specifically designed for 13- 19 year olds. Please see the website at
Children and Young People Services | West Mercia Women's Aid Warwickshire - https:/ / equation.org.uk/ need-help/ help-for-children/ |
| Children affected by Honour Based Violence | The Honour Network Help line: 08005 999 247 and website at www.karmanirvana.org.uk |
| Children affected by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) | National FGM Centre – Developing excellence in response to FGM and other Harmful Practices |
| Children affected by radicalisation or extremism |
is the government website providing information and practical advice for parents/ carers, teachers and schools leaders on protecting children from radicalisation and extremism. Anti- Terrorist Hotline: tel 0800 789 321 Online reporting: Trust Your Instincts and Report | Action Warwickshire: Prevent in Warwickshire - |
Please contact our safeguarding team if you need any further support or advice.
