Understanding safeguarding and the law
Your role, their safety and the law
Some behaviours involving children are considered safeguarding concerns in UK law. This includes sexual activity without consent, sexual activity where there is a clear difference in age or power, sharing sexual images of anyone under 18, and any behaviour that causes significant harm.
As a parent or carer, you are not expected to know the law, investigate what happened, or make decisions on your own. Taking concerns seriously and seeking advice when something feels serious or unsafe is the most important thing you can do.
Professionals such as teachers, health workers, social workers, and police have a legal duty in Wales to report concerns about a child's safety to the local authority. This does not mean every situation becomes a criminal investigation. Safeguarding is mainly about understanding what has happened, reducing risk, and putting support in place for all children involved.
You can speak to a professional or helpline to talk through what you know and understand your options. You can do this anonymously. Reaching out for guidance does not commit you to any particular action.
Understanding safeguarding and the law
Your role, their safety and the law
Some behaviours involving children are considered safeguarding concerns in UK law. This includes sexual activity without consent, sexual activity where there is a clear difference in age or power, sharing sexual images of anyone under 18, and any behaviour that causes significant harm.
As a parent or carer, you are not expected to know the law, investigate what happened, or make decisions on your own. Taking concerns seriously and seeking advice when something feels serious or unsafe is the most important thing you can do.
Professionals such as teachers, health workers, social workers, and police have a legal duty in Wales to report concerns about a child's safety to the local authority. This does not mean every situation becomes a criminal investigation. Safeguarding is mainly about understanding what has happened, reducing risk, and putting support in place for all children involved.
You can speak to a professional or helpline to talk through what you know and understand your options. You can do this anonymously. Reaching out for guidance does not commit you to any particular action.
