All young people can be vulnerable and it’s natural to worry about your child’s safety, especially as they become more independent and start going out without you.
You can help your child by teaching them some common-sense tips to keep them safe.
- Stay alert and take headphones out, so they can hear what's going on around them.
- Walk on busy, well-lit streets and avoid taking short cuts through alleyways or parks, especially at night.
- Tell them to cross the road or go to a place with lots of people around, like a shop if they think someone is following them.
- Tell them to keep valuables out of sight but if someone does try to take something to let them, rather than fight back.
- Encourage your child to speak up if they are being bullied or feel they might be in danger.
- Tell your child not to carry weapons because they are more likely to be used against them, and it's illegal. They can carry a personal alarm to warn off suspicious strangers.
Take a look at our ‘safety with others’ page for more information on helping your teen stay safe from dangerous adults.
Teenagers are more at risk than they think when it comes to road safety. Hopefully they’ll have a good understanding of how to cross the road using the 
Whether rivers, beaches or lakes, water can pose dangers, especially if you are on your own. Water can be:Families who might need further support
Each teen is different, and the general recommendations that are available to keep older children safe should be tailored to fit your young person’s skills and abilities.
Useful resources
- NHS.uk has advice on heat exhaustion and sunstroke and sun safety.
- You vs. Train has lots of information and quizzes for young people on the dangers of trepassing on the railways.