Safeguarding Adolescents
Adolescence is a time of immense growth and development of both mind and body, it is a transition between childhood and adulthood, a time of learning and preparation to assume adult roles.
"Parents and carers have responsibilities to provide guidance and direction to their child as they grow up, so that they fully enjoy their rights. It should be done in a way that recognises the child’s increasing capacity to make their own choices." Article 5 UNCRC.
It can be a challenging time for parents and young people to navigate their way through, balancing parental guidance with a child’s evolving capacities.
More Information
Brain Development
Whilst the body is physically going through visible change, the adolescent brain goes through significant change too, and this continues into early adulthood. If you would like to learn more, this document explains what happens as the teenage brain develops, how this impacts on their behaviour and why it is helpful for us to know –
- The structure of the brain changes
- Brain hormones fluctuate, in particular those that regulate mood and sleep
- The emotional part of the brain can be more dominant than the thinking part
This can happen differently and at different rates for each individual and trauma and environmental factors will have an impact.
Attachment
During adolescence, the attachment (bonds and relationships) between the parent/carer and child begin to be redefined as developmental changes take place.
Research tells us that during this time, young people can be more vulnerable to risks outside of their home, they can also be more at risk of neglect. We need to remain aware of what is happening in their lives at home, in their friendship circles, in health and education settings and the public spaces that they occupy both offline and online.
This stage of development does carry risk, but it also opens many opportunities to help shape the success of a young person's future.
Focussing on reducing vulnerability and building strengths & resilience, all young people can be supported by adults in their lives providing a secure base.
Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust have produced this guide What Is Attachment and suggest you can help do this by
- Being available - Helping young people to trust.
- Being sensitive - Helping young people to understand and manage feelings.
- Building self-esteem - Creating opportunities for success.
- Co-operation - Helping teenagers to feel effective.
Healthy Relationships
The NSPCC and Children 1st both provide helpful information for parents and carers on how to talk to your child about sex and consent.
Teenagers can experience abuse in their own relationships, even if they aren’t living with the abuser. The Lucy Faithful Foundation provide advice, tips, and key signs for parents on spotting abuse in teenage relationships.
Is My Child Being Exploited? More information here.
Further information and support
Barnardo's Exceed Service offer a free 4 week online parenting support programme - you can see dates and book a place here.
Online Safety
Online Safety for Parents
Online Safety for Children and Young People
Bullying
Anti-bullying Alliance - advice for families
National Bullying Helpline - Advice on bullying at school
Mental Health concerns
Parents A-Z Mental Health Guide from Young Minds
Action for Children - Good Mental Health
NSPCC - advice on self-harm
Wellbeing for Children & young people - Safer Cornwall