What is safeguarding?

The Children Act 2004, states that safeguarding children is about:

• Protecting children from maltreatment, abuse, and neglect
• Minimising risks of harm to children
• Preventing impairment of children’s health of development
• Addressing children’s needs at an early stage.
• Ensuring all children are able to fulfil their potential.

What to do if you have concerns

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility; all agencies and adults have a part to play. If you have concerns regarding any child’s safety or welfare, you should contact one of the help numbers below. You can also contact a professional person such as a teacher, GP, health visitor or school nurse.

Contact numbers:

• Greenwich social services – 0208 921 3172
• Bexley social services – 0208 303 7777
• Childline – 0800 1111
• If you are concerned that a child is at grave or immediate risk, dial 999

General advice

Adolescence is a difficult time for parents and young people. You can avoid a lot of issues by talking to your son every day and giving him some quality time with you. These things will also support your son and the rest of the family:

• Set firm boundaries and stick to them, it makes children feel safe and cared for, as well as teaching them expectations.
• Be supportive and try not to be overly judgemental; it’s tough being an adolescent, too.
• Include your son in the family decision-making so that they can understand the pressures that the adults looking after them are sometimes under
• Try to give your son some autonomy and independence but link it to responsibility.

Remember that a lot of adolescents become moody and secretive at times: it is not necessarily a sign of something bad, just part of growing up!