Keeping safe

What you can do to help

• 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 e.g. 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.