⚠️ When Should I Ask for Help? 

You should speak to someone if:

• You feel unsafe

• Someone is hurting or threatening you

• You are being bullied

• Something online makes you uncomfortable

• You feel very anxious, sad or overwhelmed

• You are worried about a friend

• Something is happening at home or outside of school that worries you

• Someone has asked you to keep a secret that feels wrong

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Worried About a Friend? 

If you are worried about someone else, it is important to tell an adult.

You are helping them by speaking up.

Tell:

• A teacher

• Your tutor

• A safeguarding lead (Sara, Steve or Becky)

• Any trusted adult at school

Bullying can include:

• Name calling or teasing

• Spreading rumours

• Being excluded from groups

• Physical aggression

• Cyberbullying online

Bullying is not acceptable and should always be reported.

If you are being bullied:

• Speak to a trusted adult

• Save evidence of online messages

• Block and report people online

• Do not respond to harmful messages

Additional Support

• Childline: Call 0800 1111 (free, 24/7) or use their 1-to-1 Online Chat
• National Bullying Helpline: Call 0845 22 55 787 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) for practical advice on school and online bullying.

Eating disorders can affect anyone and may involve:

• Worrying about food or weight

• Eating too little or too much

• Feeling anxious about eating

• Changes in eating habits

If you are struggling, speaking to someone can help.

Additional Support

• Beat Eating Disorders: Call the Youthline at 0808 801 0711 or use their one-to-one webchat.
• YoungMinds: Eating Problems: Expert information on how to understand these feelings and where to find help.

Sometimes adults or older young people may try to manipulate or pressure someone into doing things that are unsafe or illegal.

Warning signs may include:

• Being offered gifts or money

• Being asked to keep secrets

• Being pressured to do something you feel uncomfortable with

If this happens, tell a trusted adult straight away.

Additional Support

• CEOP (Thinkuknow): Use the CEOP Reporting Tool if you are worried about someone communicating with you inappropriately online.
• The Children’s Society – Resource for Young People: Clear information on identifying the signs of grooming and “county lines” exploitation, with advice on how to get safe.

Healthy friendships and relationships should make you feel:

✅ Safe
✅ Respected
✅ Supported
✅ Comfortable being yourself

Relationships should never involve pressure, threats or control.

If someone is:

• Pressuring you to do something you don’t want to do

• Controlling who you talk to

• Making you feel scared or uncomfortable

Speak to a trusted adult.

Additional Support

• The Mix: Support for under-25s on relationships. Call 0808 808 4994 (4pm–11pm daily), use their crisis messenger. Or text THEMIX to 85258.
• Act On It Now: Learn about what healthy, unhealthy and toxic relationships look like. Get help if you’re worried about your own relationship or someone else’s.

Everyone deserves to feel respected and accepted for who they are.

If you have questions about your identity or need support, you can speak to a trusted adult at school.

No student should experience discrimination or bullying.

Additional Support

• The Proud Trust: Find youth groups and online support for LGBTQ+ young people.
• Switchboard LGBTQ+ Helpline: Call 0800 0119 100 (10am–10pm daily) to talk to a volunteer who identifies as LGBTQ+ You can also web chat via the website.

🧠 Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing 

Everyone has mental health, just like we all have physical health.

Sometimes you may feel:

• Stressed or overwhelmed

• Anxious or worried

• Low or sad

• Angry or frustrated

• Lonely or isolated

Some ways to support your wellbeing include:

🌿 Spending time outside
🏃 Being physically active
💬 Talking to someone you trust
😴 Getting enough sleep
📵 Taking breaks from social media

If your feelings are becoming difficult to manage, there is support available.

Additional Support

• YoungMinds: Text YM to 85258 (24/7 Crisis Messenger) for free, confidential support.
• MindMate: A vibrant, easy-to-use site that helps you explore how you’re feeling and find “top tips” for dealing with things like exam stress or big life

The internet can be a great place to learn and connect with others, but it is important to stay safe.

Remember:

🔒 Keep personal information private
👤 Only talk to people you know
📸 Think before sharing photos or videos
🚫 Block people who make you uncomfortable
⚠️ Tell a trusted adult if something online worries you

If someone online asks you to keep secrets, send photos, or meet in person, tell an adult immediately.

Additional Support

• Childnet: Specific toolkits and advice for teenagers on staying safe across all social media platforms.
• Internet Watch Foundation (IWF): Use this to report illegal content online or if someone is threatening to share private images.
• CEOP: Report concerns about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating with you online.

Self-Harm and Difficult Feelings 

If you are hurting yourself or thinking about harming yourself, it is important to talk to someone. 

Support is available and people want to help you stay safe. 

You can speak to: 

• A trusted adult at school

• A family member

• A support organisation

Additional Support

• • Shout 85258: Text SHOUT to 85258 (free, 24/7) to connect with a trained volunteer for immediate support.
  • Papyrus 247 Hopeline: Call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967 if you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm

No one has the right to make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

This includes:

• Unwanted touching

• Sexual comments

• Sharing private images

• Pressuring someone to do something sexual

If this happens to you or someone else, report it to a trusted adult.

Additional Support

• NSPCC: Report Abuse in Education: Call 0800 136 663 or email help@nspcc.org.uk if you have experienced sexual harassment or abuse at school.
• Childline: Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual behaviour. It’s not your fault and there is always help available from Childline.