Harm Outside the Home
Harm outside the home refers to the various dangers and negative influences your child may face when they are away from your direct supervision. As children get older and gain more independence, they spend more time in the community, and it's important for parents and carers to be aware of the risks they might encounter.
Understanding the Risks
Harm outside the home can take many forms and may not always be obvious. These include:
Criminal Exploitation: This is when a child is groomed or manipulated to engage in criminal activity, such as drug dealing (often referred to as 'county lines'), or theft. It's important to be aware of any unexplained new belongings, money, or sudden changes in your child’s behaviour or friends.
Gangs and Violence: Some young people may be at risk of being drawn into gangs, which can expose them to violence, bullying, and pressure to commit crimes. Look for changes in their social circle or a reluctance to talk about their friends.
Radicalisation: This is the process through which a person comes to support terrorism or extremist ideologies. This can happen offline as well as online, and it's important to know the signs of radicalisation and what to do if you are concerned.
Sexual Exploitation: This is when a child is groomed or exploited to perform sexual acts or to be trafficked. The person exploiting them can be someone they know or a stranger.
How to Help Your Child Stay Safe
While you can't be with your child at all times, you can help them develop the skills to stay safe.
Open Communication: The most important tool you have is communication. Talk to your child openly and regularly about their day, their friends, and what's going on in their life. Create an environment where they feel they can come to you with any problem, big or small, without fear of judgment.
Building Resilience: Help your child build their self-esteem and confidence. This can make them less vulnerable to grooming and manipulation from others.
Know Their Friends: Get to know your child's friends and their families. Encourage them to socialise in safe, public places.
Set Clear Boundaries: Have clear rules and expectations about where they can go, who they can spend time with, and what time they need to be home.
Getting Support
If you are concerned about your child's safety or believe they are at risk of harm outside the home, you are not alone. Our team at Family Hub's are here to help. We can offer confidential advice, help you understand the signs of different harms, and connect you with specialist services that can provide targeted support for your family.
Here are some useful links for more support an advice:
Keeping children safe, support for parents and carers
Child abuse, harm, sexual abuse, support for parents and carers
West Midlands police advice child abuse and exploitation