Short messages on Personal safety issues from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
The “Silent Solutions” protocol allows you to dial 999 and remain silent if it’s not safe for you to talk. The operator will put you through to an automated system, and if you then press 55, the police will be dispatched to your location.
If a glass or ceramic plate drops and shatters on a hard floor, thoroughly vacuum every piece of floor you can see from where you were standing. Tiny shards could cut your feet without you noticing.
If travelling to a different country, learn the culture before you go – especially the do’s and don’ts. Behaviour that is acceptable in this country may get you into real trouble in another.
You can call or text Missing People on 116 000 or email 116000@missingpeople.org.uk if you or someone you know has run away. They are there 24/7 for confidential support.
Many young people who run away will turn to family and friends to remain safe. People react in different ways and it can be a very tough time for anyone involved.
If you have or are thinking of running away from home, Missing People has advice to help you try to stay safe: the ‘Staying Safe’ checklist.
If you run away from home, you may be exposed to drugs, alcohol, sexual exploitation, hunger, loneliness, homelessness and serious illness, or doing things you don’t want to do to get by.
After running away from home, research by NSPCC says 1 in 6 young people slept rough, 1 in 8 were physically hurt and 1 in 9 were sexually assaulted.
In the UK, around 140,000 young people go missing each year. There can be problems at home that make people want to leave or things that people are drawn to.
80% of 16 year olds who ran away from home say they were experiencing family problems. Sometimes running away may seem the only option, but you can talk to someone.