Know where you sit: safety circles

25 August 2022

Know where you sit: safety circles

25 August 2022

Know where you sit: safety circles

25 August 2022

It takes our entire community to keep children and young people safe online. They need a network of relationships with safe people to be and feel safe. This is represented in the safety circle.

A ‘safety circle’ is made up of all the safe relationships that children and young people have with their family, friends, teachers, coaches and other important people in their lives. These people know and understand the child and share in their lives. They might be able to recognise if the child is worried or see the moments when the child needs their small wins celebrated. They might watch the child play sport or dance. These are the adults who children can turn to when they need help.

The inner circle

These are the people who know a child or young person best and spend the most time with them. People in this circle could be carers, parents and close family. They are most likely to know everything about a child’s daily life.

You might be in this circle to your own children, grandchildren or foster children. These relationships are so important to keeping children safe, because you’re closest to them and understand them best.

The middle circle

These people know a child or young person very well and have spent time with them as they have grown. They may be extended family or family friends who share time doing things together.

You might be in this circle to your nieces and nephews, or the children of your friends. You might be someone that a child or young person turns to when they feel like they cannot talk to the people in their inner circle.

The outter circle

These people have a role with them that is specific in the life of a child or young person. They may be a sports coach, teacher, or a friend or family member who regularly takes part in a shared activity with them – like a hobby or a part of a club.

You might be in this circle if you are a professional who works with or volunteers with children and young people. You are important because you may notice changes missed by others.

No matter which circle you are in, you have a role in helping children and young people to feel and be safe. You make the world feel better when things don’t go right for them. You help them deal with disappointments and support them to meet challenges. You nurture their talents and confidence and help them to feel proud of themselves. You step in whenever they need you.

Think about all the children and young people in your life and put yourself in their shoes. Where do you fit into their safety circles?

Australian Childhood Foundation is the leader in driving collective change in the care and protection of children and young people. Through our advocacy and education work we create active communities that can work together to provide better care for children, keeping them safe from harm and helping them heal in safe and loving relationships, restoring their childhoods.

To find out more about Australian Childhood Foundation, you can visit our website childhood.org,au. To find out why Australian Childhood Foundation is starting this conversation, visit the who we are page.

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