Advice for Managing and Responding to Other Risks
All families can experience difficulties from time to time – managing teenagers can be both hugely rewarding and hugely challenging at the same time. It can be difficult to decide when to allow your child certain freedoms and it is natural to worry about potential risks posed to them as they grow.
Parents and carers will know their children best, however you might find some of the following guidance useful at key times. Please remember that you can always contact school for advice and support too.
General Advice
This leaflet from the Leicester City Safeguarding Board gives general advice for parents and carers on how to keep their children safe
For guidance on all aspects of safety in the home from storing medication to choking hazards, this website could be a good source of advice. Click to read more
Drugs and Alcohol
Lots of parents worry about their children experimenting with alcohol or drugs. Talking to your child from a young age about the potential dangers and how they can keep themselves safe is the best course of action to help your child to manage risks and to turn to you if they need support.
The NSPCC has advice for supporting you with these important conversations. Click here to read more
Knife Crime
Most young people do not carry knives, however it is a very real concern for parents and carers. Talking to your child about the risks and having honest conversations with them about their views will help to keep them safe.
Lives Not Knives is a campaign backed by Leicestershire Police. The associated website, Live Safe, has practical advice for parents and carers.
The Ben Kinsella Trust is a national charity set up in the name of Ben Kinsella, a victim of knife crime. It is a very well regarded source of help and support for both schools and parents. Click here to read their guidance for parents
Fearless allows young people to report crimes anonymously. Click this link to report a crime
Child Criminal Exploitation
Child criminal exploitation is commonly known as CCE and is a form of child abuse. CCE is where children are groomed and manipulated by gangs and criminals into carrying out crimes such as carrying or selling drugs, carrying weapons or committing theft or burglary. One of the most common forms of CCE is County Lines, which you may have heard of. This involves a child being recruited to move drugs, often into rural areas.
A child may not realise that they have been exploited, as they may feel like they are friends with others in the gang. Others may feel fearful and as though they have no choice but to do what they have been asked.
You can find out more about CCE and how to talk to your child about this important topic by clicking this link
FGM
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is carried out for religious, cultural, social reasons, however whatever the given reason, this practice is illegal. FGM is when a female’s genitals are deliberately altered or removed for non-medical reasons. It’s also known as ‘female circumcision’ or ‘cutting’, but has many other names. This is a form of child abuse and is illegal in the UK. It is also illegal to carry out this procedure on any UK citizen abroad.
The NSPCC has support and advice for parents on this important topic. You can read more by clicking here
