Information for Children and Young People
All children have the right to be kept safe from harm.
If you are worried about something or don't feel safe, and not sure what to do, there are lots of people who can help. You could talk to someone in your family who you trust, or to a teacher, a social worker, the Police, or you could call ChildLine on 0800 11 11.
Children and Families Access Team: Monday to Friday from 9 am until 5 pm on 01343 554370. The Duty Officer will be available to discuss concerns about the care and protection of any child in the local community. You can also email the Access Team on childrenbsaccessteam@moray.gov.uk with non-urgent concerns.
Out of Hours Service: Out with these hours enquiries are dealt with by the Out of Hours Service who can be contacted on 03457 56 56 56.
Police: you can call 101 to discuss a concern or you can call 999 in an emergency
There are various things that we can all do to help you. We can listen to you, and give you information on how to deal with your concern. This page provides information on various topics which may be of use to you.
You can be hurt or harmed by what people do or say to you. So always be a good friend and:
- Listen to each other
- Respect everyone as an individual
- Respect their wishes - Don’t gossip
- Be sensitive to other people’s likes and dislikes
- Encourage your friends to feel good - Don’t put them down
- Support each other:
- By sharing your problems
- By talking to someone you trust; and
- By being a good friend If someone hurts you remember it’s not your fault. This is what you should do about it:
- Tell a teacher or other adult you trust
- Think about what you want to say
- Don’t give up. Keep telling someone until they hear; and
- Think about yourself and your rights If a friend tells you they are being harmed you should:
- Listen to them
- Say you want to help
- Tell an adult you both trust. Some things can’t be kept secret; and
- Respect your friend’s wishes
What is sexting? When people talk about sexting, they usually refer to sending and receiving:
- naked pictures or 'nudes'
- 'underwear shots' • sexual or 'dirty pics'; and/or
- rude text messages or videos
They can be sent from a friend, boyfriend, girlfriend or someone you've met online. You might have also sent a sexual photo, video or text to someone else. We understand how easily sexting can happen and how things can go wrong – even when you didn’t mean for them to. For much more information on sexting visit the ChildLine web site.
If someone is always telling you that you're ugly, stupid, worthless or that they'd wished you'd never been born - that's emotional abuse. It's wrong, even if they are not doing it on purpose and can make you scared, sad and upset.
It is emotional abuse when someone:
- calls you names or shouts down at you
- puts you down or says you aren’t good enough
- ignores you or leaves you out of things
- says or do things that make you feel bad about yourself
- pushes you away or makes you feel like you don’t belong in the family
- makes you do things that you are not your responsibility, like caring for your brothers and sisters
- tries to control you or push you too hard
- treats you differently from your brothers or sisters
- puts you in dangerous situations
- makes you see things that are distressing, like domestic violence; and/or
- stops you from having friends
What to do if you are being emotionally abused
Tell someone
If you are being emotionally abused it can help to tell someone about what is happening. You can talk to a ChildLine counsellor online through 1-2-1 chat or call free on 0800 1111. We know this can be difficult and you might worry about what may happen or whether you will be believed. We care about you very much and are here for you all day, every day.
Write it in a letter
If it's too difficult to tell someone you might find it easier to write a letter to an adult you trust telling them about what is happening. You can also email it to a ChildLine counsellor.
Keep a diary of the abuse
You could also keep a diary of the abuse, recording what has happened and when, and then show this to the adult you trust. This could be a family member, a friend, someone at school such as a teacher or a school counsellor.
Contact social services
Some young people make the decision to contact social services (also called Children’s Services) so they can get help for themselves or their family. If you’re thinking about this, remember you can come and talk to a ChildLine counsellor about how you feel and what you want to happen.
For more information on emotional abuse click here https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/abuse-safety/emotional-abuse/
Sexual abuse is when a child or young person is pressurised, forced, tricked or coerced into taking part in any kind of sexual activity with an adult or another young person. This can include kissing, touching the young person's genitals (private parts) or breasts, intercourse or oral sex. It can happen to anyone – boys and girls. If you are being sexually abused it's not your fault and you're not alone.
What is sexual abuse?
Sexual abuse is when you are:
- being touched in a way you don't like without giving permission or consent
- being forced to have sex (intercourse)
- forced to look at sexual pictures or videos
- made or forced to do something sexual; and/or
- made to watch someone do something sexual. This can include someone flashing or exposing themselves to you and can also happen online
For more information on sexual abuse click here https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/abuse-safety/sexual-abuse/.
Some other useful information can be found on these websites:
ChildLine
Childline has a great website that provides a wide range of information on loads of topics including Bullying, Sexual Relationships, Online and Mobile Phone Safety, Home and Families, Feelings and Emotions, and much more.
Barnardo's
Barnardos is a voluntary organisation which supports children and young people's right to be free from poverty, abuse and discrimination.
Beat-bullying
An award winning bullying prevention charity who work with families, schools and communities across the UK.
Bullying UK
Bullying UK can give you lots of useful advice and support if you are being bullied.
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command
Help for and advice about online sexual abuse.
Childnet (Know It All)
An extensive range of education resources designed to educate parents, teachers and young people about the safe and positive use of the internet.
Cool2Talk
A website developed in partnership with Tayside Health Board and Dialogue Youth where young people can chat anonymously and confidentially about health issues affecting them.
Directgov for Kids
Direct Gov for kids helps you to find out about the world around you with lots of fun games, videos and cartoons.
Directgov for Young People
Directgov for Young People has loads of advice on a range of lifestyle topics.
Kidscape
Kidscape works across the UK to keep children safe from bullying and sexual abuse.
The Hideout
Run by Women's Aid and aims to provide help, information and support for children and young people who are affected by domestic violence.
UK Safer Internet Centre
Provides the latest advice on how to use the internet and new technologies safely and responsibly.
Young Carers
The Scottish government site with information for young carers including what a young carer is, what the rights are for young carers and where to find support.
Young Minds
There are loads of practical tips and advice about mental health and where to find support.
Young Scot Website
Local information on a wide range of topics for Scottish youth aged 11 - 26 years.
Contact Us
(Not for reporting child protection concerns)
Moray Child Protection Committee
The Moray Council, Education and Social Care,
High Street, Elgin
IV30 1BX
01343 543451