Trusted adult guide: Your guide for supporting young people to navigate personal safety and wellbeing

Trusted adults play an important role in keeping young people safe. Used across homes, schools and community settings, this guide strengthens the network of adults who help keep young people safe, connected and supported. The guide explains how to notice signs of harm, start difficult conversations and respond in ways that build trust rather than fear. It covers topics such as consent, bullying, online safety and finding extra support.

The guide provides practical support for any trusted adult having conversations with young people about their safety and wellbeing. Whether you’re a principal, teacher or student support officer, as a trusted adult your role is the same - to be a calm, steady connection for a young person when they need it most.

You can use this guide on its own or with the Trusted adult tipsheets. The tipsheets offer quick help on topics like consent, abuse, bullying and online safety and are also available at the back of this guide.