Safeguarding Spotlight Key information What to do
Online Safety Gaming, social media, privacy, inappropriate content, online contact and digital footprints. Talk regularly about online activity, use age-appropriate controls, report concerns to school, CEOP or police where necessary.
Child-on-Child Abuse Bullying, intimidation, physical abuse, sexual harassment, harmful sexual behaviour and online abuse are never dismissed as “banter”. Encourage children to tell a trusted adult. Report concerns to school immediately.
Bullying Repeated behaviour intended to hurt, intimidate or isolate another person, including online bullying. Tell the class teacher or pastoral team early. Keep evidence of online incidents where possible.
Cyberbullying Hurtful, threatening or humiliating behaviour through messages, games, social media or other online spaces. Save screenshots, block/report accounts, tell school and use platform reporting tools.
Grooming Adults or peers can build trust in order to manipulate or exploit a child, online or offline. Watch for secrecy, gifts, sudden behaviour changes or unexplained contacts. Report concerns immediately.
Child Sexual Exploitation Children can be manipulated or coerced into sexual activity in exchange for attention, gifts, money or status. Do not confront suspected perpetrators. Share concerns with school or Children’s Social Care; call 999 if immediate danger.
Child Criminal Exploitation / County Lines Children may be pressured into carrying drugs, money or weapons or used by organised groups. Look for unexplained money, phones, absences, older associates or fearfulness. Report concerns promptly.
Domestic Abuse Children can be harmed by seeing, hearing or experiencing domestic abuse, even if they are not directly assaulted. Seek help from police or specialist services. Tell school if a child may be affected so support can be put in place.
Neglect Ongoing failure to meet a child’s basic physical or emotional needs, including food, supervision, medical care or emotional warmth. Share concerns with school or Children’s Social Care. Do not wait until you are certain.
Physical Abuse Deliberate physical harm, including hitting, shaking, burning or other injury. If a child is in immediate danger call 999. Otherwise report to school safeguarding staff or Children’s Social Care.
Emotional Abuse Persistent criticism, rejection, humiliation, intimidation or making a child feel worthless or unsafe. Record concerns factually and report them. Avoid questioning the child repeatedly.
Sexual Abuse Any sexual activity involving a child, including contact and non-contact abuse. Listen, do not promise confidentiality, avoid leading questions and report immediately.
Online Grooming and Sextortion Children may be pressured into sharing images and then threatened for money or further images. Do not pay, do not engage with the offender, preserve evidence and report to police/CEOP.
Sharing Nude or Semi-Nude Images Children may share images voluntarily or under pressure; images can spread quickly. Do not forward or save images unnecessarily. Tell school promptly so safeguarding procedures can be followed.
Radicalisation and Extremism Children can be influenced by extremist ideas online or through others. Be alert to sudden changes, isolation or concerning language. Share worries with the school safeguarding team.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) FGM is illegal and can cause serious lifelong harm. Report concerns immediately to safeguarding staff or police where risk is imminent.
Forced Marriage A marriage where one or both people do not freely consent. Do not approach family members if this may increase risk. Seek safeguarding advice immediately.
Honour-Based Abuse Abuse linked to perceived family or community “honour”, including threats, control, violence or forced marriage. Treat as a safeguarding concern and report without delay.
Missing Children / Going Missing Going missing can increase vulnerability to exploitation, harm and criminal activity. Contact police if a child is missing and inform school. Share any known risks or contacts.
Attendance and Safeguarding Unexplained or repeated absence can sometimes indicate that a child or family needs help. Report absence promptly and speak to school early if attendance is becoming difficult.
Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Significant changes in mood, sleep, friendships, behaviour or engagement can signal that a child needs support. Speak to school early and seek medical help where appropriate. Call emergency services if there is immediate risk.
Self-Harm Self-harm can indicate significant emotional distress and should always be taken seriously. Stay calm, listen, seek medical advice and tell school so support can be coordinated.
Healthy Relationships and Consent Children need age-appropriate understanding of boundaries, respect and consent. Reinforce body autonomy and trusted adults; report concerns about inappropriate behaviour.
Stranger and Community Safety Children need to understand safe adults, unsafe situations and what to do if approached or worried. Teach children to seek help, move to a safe place and tell a trusted adult.
Road Safety Children are vulnerable around traffic, particularly when travelling independently. Model safe crossing, discuss safe routes and reinforce visibility and supervision expectations.
Water Safety Rivers, canals, lakes and open water can present significant risks. Teach children not to enter open water unsupervised and to call 999 rather than attempting a rescue.
Fire Safety Children should understand alarms, evacuation and safe behaviour around fire. Have a home escape plan, test smoke alarms and teach children to call 999 in an emergency.
Dogs and Animal Safety Bites often happen when children misread animal behaviour or approach unsafely. Teach children not to approach unfamiliar animals and to ask permission before touching pets.
Substance Misuse Children may encounter alcohol, vaping, drugs or other substances through peers or the community. Talk openly about risk and seek support if you suspect use or exposure.
Vaping Vapes are age-restricted products and can expose children to nicotine and unknown substances. Talk about health risks, report concerns and contact school if vaping is affecting a pupil.
Knife Crime and Weapons Carrying a weapon increases risk rather than providing protection. If you believe a child has a weapon or someone is in immediate danger, call 999. Inform school of concerns.
Gaming Safety Online games can expose children to strangers, purchases, harmful content and excessive use. Check age ratings, privacy settings, chat functions and spending controls.
Social Media Many platforms have minimum age restrictions and can expose children to harmful content or contact. Check accounts, privacy settings and who children communicate with; discuss reporting and blocking.
AI, Deepfakes and Fake Content AI can create convincing false images, videos and messages, including harmful or sexualised content. Teach children to question what they see and report manipulated or harmful content.
Scams and Online Fraud Children may be targeted through games, messaging, fake giveaways or phishing. Teach them never to share passwords or bank details and to check with an adult before clicking or paying.
Safe Use of Phones Phones can increase access to online risks, cameras, messaging and location sharing. Agree clear family rules around privacy, apps, night-time use and location settings.
Sleep and Devices Late-night device use can affect sleep, wellbeing and school readiness. Keep devices out of bedrooms overnight where possible and establish consistent routines.
Transition to Secondary School Greater independence can increase exposure to travel, online, peer and community risks. Discuss routes, phones, friendships, trusted adults and what to do if something feels unsafe.

 

Worried about a child?

Speak to a member of staff immediately or email [email protected]

Leicester City Council Duty & Advice: 0116 454 1004

Immediate danger: 999