Safe Communication for Children

Here’s a guide with practical tips on safe communication, whether you’re chatting with friends, family, or strangers online and in person.

Recognising Safe Communication

Safe communication means speaking openly, honestly, and respectfully, while also protecting your personal information and your boundaries. It’s about feeling safe and comfortable in all types of communication, whether you're talking with someone face-to-face, through a message, or on a video call.

How to Communicate Safely Online

The internet offers a fun way to connect with people, but it’s important to stay aware of your safety when chatting or sharing information online.

• Keep Personal Information Private: Never share personal details like your full name, address, phone number, school, or passwords online. Avoid posting things that could give away your location or routines, like photos that show where you live or where you go to school.
• Use Safe and Trusted Platforms: Only use communication platforms that are safe for your age group. Make sure these sites or apps have privacy settings that protect your information. For example, use platforms that are designed specifically for children and teenagers, and always make sure your profiles are set to private.
• Talk to Trusted People: If you're speaking to someone you don't know, be careful about sharing personal information or details. Stick to chatting with friends or people you trust. If a stranger contacts you, always tell a parent, guardian, or trusted adult.
• Think Before You Post: What you post online can be seen by a lot of people, so always think about how it might affect you or others. Once something is shared, it can be difficult to remove, so make sure you’re happy with what you're sharing before you post it.
• Report Uncomfortable Conversations: If you ever feel uncomfortable, threatened, or unsafe during an online conversation, tell an adult you trust or report the situation to the platform you’re using. Most platforms have options to block users or report inappropriate behaviour.

How to Communicate Safely in Person

Communication doesn’t just happen online. In face-to-face conversations, it’s important to respect yourself and others and create safe, healthy relationships.

• Set Boundaries: It’s okay to set boundaries with others and say no if something makes you feel uncomfortable. If a conversation turns inappropriate or makes you feel uneasy, you can walk away, change the subject, or let the person know that you don’t want to talk about certain topics.
• Be Respectful and Kind: Always treat others with respect. Use polite language, listen when others are speaking, and try to be kind and understanding, even if you don’t always agree. Positive communication helps build trust and strong relationships.
• Speak Up When Necessary: If someone is saying something that isn’t kind or is hurtful, you have the right to speak up. You can express how you feel and ask the person to stop. For example, “I don’t like it when you say that” or “Please don’t make fun of me.”
• Talk to a Trusted Adult: If someone’s words or actions are making you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, talk to a parent, teacher, or another trusted adult. They can offer support and help you navigate the situation.

Understanding the Importance of Consent in Communication

Consent is an important part of communication. It means respecting others' right to decide what they are comfortable with, both online and in person.

• Consent in Conversations: If you're talking about something sensitive or private, make sure the other person is okay with the topic. If someone says they don’t want to talk about something, respect their choice and change the subject.
• Consent in Sharing Information: Before you share a photo, video, or message with someone, make sure they’re okay with it. Don’t share images or information without getting the other person’s permission first.

How to Respond to Unwanted Communication

Sometimes, people might try to make you communicate in ways that make you feel uncomfortable, whether online or in person. Here's how to respond:

• Politely Decline: If someone asks you to share personal information or do something you don’t want to, you can politely decline. For example, “I’m not comfortable with that,” or “I’d rather not share that.”
• Distance Yourself: If someone is making you feel uneasy or unsafe, it’s okay to remove yourself from the conversation. You can walk away, stop replying to messages, or block the person online if necessary.
• Tell Someone You Trust: If you feel unsafe or unsure about a conversation, talk to someone you trust. Let them know what happened and ask for advice on how to handle the situation.

Dealing with Cyberbullying or Negative Communication

If someone is being unkind or bullying you online, it’s important to stay calm and take steps to protect yourself.

• Block and Report: If someone is bullying or harassing you online, block them immediately. Report the behaviour to the platform and your trusted adults so they can help you.
• Don’t Engage with Bullies: Avoid replying to mean or hurtful comments. Bullies often want a reaction, so it’s better to ignore them or remove yourself from the situation.
• Talk to Someone: If you’re feeling upset or hurt by something someone said online, speak to a trusted adult. They can help you work through your feelings and find ways to stop the bullying.

When to Seek Help

If you’re ever unsure about whether a conversation is safe or if someone is making you feel uncomfortable, it’s important to reach out for support. Trusted adults, like parents, teachers, or school counselors, can offer advice and help you handle the situation. Here are some places you can go for support:

• Childline: If you ever feel unsafe or have any concerns about communication, Childline is there to listen and support you. Call 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk.
• The Mix: This service offers support and advice for young people dealing with various issues, including online safety and bullying. Visit www.themix.org.uk or call 0808 808 4994.
• NSPCC: If you're worried about your safety or the safety of others, the NSPCC is available to help. Visit www.nspcc.org.uk or call 0808 800 5000.

You Are in Control

Safe communication is about respecting yourself and others, setting boundaries, and knowing when to ask for help. Whether you’re talking online or face-to-face, it’s important to stay aware of your safety and feel empowered to speak up when necessary. You deserve to feel safe and confident in your communication, so always trust your instincts, protect your privacy, and reach out for help whenever you need it.

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