SEE SOMETHING? HEAR SOMETHING? WORRIED ABOUT SOMETHING?

You don't need to be certain to take a concern seriously.

If something doesn't feel right, you do not need to have all the answers before asking for help.

A child may tell you directly that something has happened. You may notice changes in their behaviour, relationships or routines. You may see something online, hear something from another person, or simply have a feeling that something is wrong.

You don't need proof to raise a concern.

Your role is not to investigate what has happened. Your role is to listen, support the child and make sure the right people know when help is needed.

WHEN SOMETHING DOESN'T FEEL RIGHT

Concerns about a child can arise in many different ways. You might:

NOTICE
A change in behaviour, mood, friendships, routines or online activity.

HEAR
Something from your child, another child, a friend, school or another adult.

SEE
Something that concerns you online or offline.

BE TOLD
A child may directly tell you something has happened.

FEEL
You may simply have a persistent feeling that something isn't right.

TRUST THE CONCERN

You do not need to decide whether something is definitely abuse.

Child abuse can include sexual, physical and emotional abuse, neglect and exploitation, and concerns can arise in many different circumstances.

If you are worried about a child, it is appropriate to seek advice even when you are unsure. GOV.UK confirms that you do not need to be certain that abuse has occurred before reporting a suspicion. 

IF A CHILD TELLS YOU SOMETHING

A disclosure can be difficult for a child and for the adult listening. Your first response matters.

1. STAY CALM

Try to remain calm, even if what you hear is upsetting.

Your reaction can influence whether a child feels safe enough to continue talking.

2. LISTEN

Give them time to speak.

Do not interrupt, interrogate or repeatedly ask them to explain what happened.

3. BELIEVE AND REASSURE

You can say:

“Thank you for telling me.”

“I believe you.”

“You have done the right thing by telling me.”

“This is not your fault.”

4. DON'T PROMISE SECRECY

Explain gently that you may need to tell someone who can help keep them safe.

You could say:

“I won't tell everyone, but I may need to tell someone who can help keep you safe.”

5. DON'T INVESTIGATE

You do not need to establish exactly what happened or why.

Listen to what the child wants to tell you and allow professionals to carry out any necessary investigation.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

STEP 1

MAKE SURE THEY ARE SAFE

If the child is in immediate danger, or you believe urgent action is needed, call 999.

If there is no immediate danger but you are concerned that a child may be at risk, you can contact the child's local authority children's social care team. (GOV.UK)

STEP 2

WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU KNOW

As soon as practical, make a factual record.

Include:

• What you saw or were told
• The date and time
• Where it happened
• Who was involved
• Any relevant usernames, profiles or platforms
• The child's own words where possible

Keep your record factual.

Avoid adding assumptions, interpretations or conclusions.

STEP 3

REPORT OR SEEK ADVICE

You can contact the appropriate safeguarding service, police, school safeguarding lead or children's social care.

You can also contact the NSPCC Helpline if you are unsure what to do. Their child protection specialists provide advice to adults concerned about a child. The current helpline number is 0808 800 5000, available Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. (NSPCC)

Remember

Asking for advice does not mean you are making an accusation.

Sometimes the most appropriate first step is simply to talk to someone who understands safeguarding.

WHERE CAN YOU REPORT?

🚨 POLICE

Immediate danger: 999

Non emergency: 101

You can contact the police where a child is at immediate risk or where you believe a crime may have occurred. (GOV.UK)

🛡️ CHILDREN'S SOCIAL CARE

Contact the children's social care team at the child's local council if you are concerned about their safety or wellbeing.

You do not need to be certain that abuse has occurred before raising a concern. (GOV.UK)

Find your local children's services through GOV.UK.

🏫 SCHOOL OR COLLEGE

If your concern involves a child attending school or college, you can speak to the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

Schools have safeguarding procedures for responding to concerns about children.

If your concern relates to someone working within the school or the school's response to a safeguarding concern, make this clear when reporting.

💻 ONLINE CONCERNS

If something has happened online, you can report it through the relevant platform's reporting system.

Where a child is at immediate risk, contact the police on 999.

Don't assume that because something happened online it is less serious.

💗 NSPCC

If you are unsure what to do or want to discuss your concerns with a child protection specialist, you can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000. (NSPCC)

Visit our dedicated 'Directory' and 'Resource' pages for further support.

WHAT IF IT HAPPENED ONLINE?

Online abuse can involve messages, images, video, gaming, social media, livestreaming, private groups or other digital spaces.

The fact that something happened online does not make it less important.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU REPORT?

Reporting can feel frightening because you may not know what happens next.

1. CONCERN RECEIVED

The organisation you contact will gather information about your concern.

2. INFORMATION ASSESSED

Professionals consider the information available and the level of risk to the child.

3. ACTION DECIDED

This could include further enquiries, safeguarding support, referral to another service or police involvement.

4. CHILD AND FAMILY SUPPORTED

The response will depend on the circumstances and the level of concern.

5. FOLLOW UP

If you have further information or your concerns increase, you can raise them again.

You have not wasted anyone's time by reporting a genuine concern.

GOV.UK explains that children's social care may gather further information, arrange for a social worker to look into the situation or involve police where appropriate. (GOV.UK)

SUPPORT FOR PARENTS AND CARERS

Responding to a safeguarding concern can be frightening, confusing and emotionally exhausting.

You may experience anger, guilt, disbelief, fear or uncertainty.

YOU MATTER TOO.

Seeking support does not take away from your child's needs.

Talk to someone you trust. Seek professional advice. Give yourself time to process what has happened.

The NSPCC Helpline is also available to adults who are worried about a child and can provide advice about what to do next. (

You don't have to handle everything alone.

WHEN YOU'RE WORRIED, REMEMBER

RESPOND

LISTEN
If a child tells you something, give them time and attention.

REASSURE
Tell them they have done the right thing by speaking up.

PROTECT
Make their immediate safety the priority.

RECORD
Write down what you know, using factual information and the child's own words where possible.

REPORT
Tell the appropriate safeguarding service, school, police or other organisation.

SEEK SUPPORT
You don't need to know exactly what to do before asking for advice.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY...

YOU DON'T NEED TO BE CERTAIN TO TAKE A CONCERN SERIOUSLY.

Trust your instincts.
Listen without judgement.
Act when something doesn't feel right.

PAG|UK : THE THREE STEPS

UNDERSTAND

Recognise the risks. Understand the signs.

Learn about child sexual abuse, grooming, manipulation, exploitation, boundaries and the different ways abuse can happen.

PROTECT

Build safety. Build knowledge. Build trust.

Learn how to create safer environments, teach boundaries, maintain healthy communication and reduce risks online and offline.

RESPOND

Listen. Support. Act.

Know what to do when something concerns you, when a child speaks to you, or when you need to seek help.

SEE SOMETHING. HEAR SOMETHING. WORRIED ABOUT SOMETHING?

You don't have to have all the answers.
You just need to take the concern seriously.