Story context
Young people should not manage safeguarding risks alone.
A safe response begins by listening privately and taking the concern seriously.
Understand the idea
Do not contact the family, mediate, investigate or share widely. Professionals should follow safeguarding procedures, record accurately and seek specialist advice.
Think, don’t disclose
A fictional situation
Educational scenario: A student tells a member of staff they fear being taken abroad to marry and asks the adult not to tell anyone.
Keep your answer about the fictional situation. You never need to discuss your own life or family.
Notice · Question · Reconsider
Freeze the story.
Do not decide what should happen yet. First, separate what the story tells you from what you think may be true.
Reflect privately
You may think silently, write privately or pass.
- What could an adult say about confidentiality?
- Why can family contact increase risk?
Lesson summary
Listen. Explain. Record. Safeguard. Seek specialist advice.
Optional extension: Compare this response with statutory multi-agency guidance.