Bullying Information, Advice and Helpline

Children & Young People

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The Keepsafe Code

1. Hugs
2. Body
3. No
4. Run or Get Away
5. Yell
6. Tell
7. Secrets
8. Bribes
9. Code

1. Hugs

Hugs and kisses are nice, especially from people we like. Even hugs and kisses that feel good and that you like should never be kept secret.

2. Body

Your body belongs to you and not to anyone else. This means all of your body. If anyone harms you or tries to touch your body in a way which confuses or frightens you, say NO, if possible, and tell.

3. No

If anyone older than you, even someone you know, tries to touch you in a way you don't like or that confuses you, or which they say is supposed to be a secret, say NO in a very loud voice.

4. Run or Get Away

Don't talk to anyone you don't know when you are alone, or just with other children. You don't have to be rude, just pretend you didn't hear and keep going. If a stranger, or a bully, or even someone you know tries to harm you, get away and get help. Make sure you always go towards other people or to a shop, if you can.

5. Yell

Wherever you are, it is all right to yell if someone is trying to hurt you.
Practice yelling as loud as you can in a big, deep voice by taking a deep breath and letting the yell come from your stomach, not from your throat

6. Tell

Tell a grown-up you trust if you are worried or frightened. If the first grown-up you tell doesn't believe or help you, keep telling until someone does. lt might not be easy, but even if something has already happened that you have never told before, try to tell now. Who could you tell?

7. Secrets

Secrets such as surprise birthday parties are fun. But some secrets are not good and should never be kept. No bully should ever make you keep the bullying a secret and no-one should ask you to keep a kiss, hug or touch secret. If anyone does, even if you know that person, tell a grown-up you trust.

8. Bribes

Don't accept money or sweets or a gift from anyone without first checking with your parents. Most of the time it will be all right, like when you get a present for your birthday from your grandma. But some people try to trick children into doing something by giving them sweets or money. This is called a bribe don't ever take one! Remember, it is possible that you might have to do what a bully or older person tells you, so that you can keep yourself safe. Don't feel bad if that happens because the most important thing is for you to be safe.

9. Code

Have a code word or sign with your parents or guardians, which only you and they know, If they need to send someone to collect you, they can give that person the code. Don't tell the code to anyone else.