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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

This fictional film/character story explores how county lines drug gangs can exploit young people to run drugs.

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

Bedtime stories with a twist.
The stories revolve around keeping young people safe online.

(Produced by Papyrus - Prevention of Young Suicide)

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Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

This resource helps young people aged 15-18 identify key features of blackmail online, understand the impact it can have, and how they can access support about anything that happens online

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Online blackmail session slides - FINAL PDF

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Jessie & Friends: online safety education for 4-7 year olds

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Jessie & Friends: online safety education for 4-7 year olds

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

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Before you watch Jessie & Friend s with your child

Before watching the Jessie & Friends animations with your child, read our advice on what else you can do to keep your child safe online.

Jessie & Friends is also available to watch with subtitles or with British Sign Language interpretations.

Jessie & Friends is a safe and age appropriate resource

The Jessie & Friends animations are age-appropriate and do not depict any situations where adults communicate with children online. Instead, they show safe, non-scary situations which help young viewers identify things which might worry them online. For example, in Episode 3 an older sister tricks three younger children into losing an online game. In this way young viewers learn how to identify online behaviour which is 'not right', and how to get help by telling an adult they trust. This learning will help keep them safe from many risky situations which they may encounter online.

Each animation has been specifically created for different age groups:

Episode 1 - Watching Videos (4-5 years)

The series begins with Jessie and her dog, named Dog, as they watch videos online using a tablet. Together they learn that while the internet can be enjoyable and fun, there are sometimes things online that can be upsetting or scary. Jessie learns that she can always speak to a grown-up who will be able to help her and put down the tablet if there is anything she sees or hears online that makes her feel worried, scared or sad.

Episode 2 - Sharing Pictures (5-6 years)

Here we meet Mo and Tia, who together with Jessie complete the friendship trio. At Tia's birthday party they use Tia's older brother Kyle's mobile to take fun photos of themselves. The trio agree to send their photos to Tia's nan but also a few other people whose numbers are saved in Kyle's phone. When the photos are shared with other children at their school without their permission, they turn to their teacher for help. The three friends learn about how images can get shared more widely than you first expect, and the importance of consent.

Episode 3 - Playing Games (6-7 years)

Jessie, Tia and Mo are playing the exciting online game Avelzon where they are trying to beat their nemesis Dr Yekl. A 'friendly' unknown gamer starts chatting to Jessie in the game and offers to help the 'Supertotalmegaheros' in their quest. However Jessie soon discovers that the gamer's intention is not to help the friends, but to trick them into losing instead. Jessie, Tia and Mo learn that when playing online games they should keep their personal information private, only talk to people they know in real life and that they can tell an adult they trust if anything happens that makes them worried.

What next?

Visit the CEOP Education 4-7s website with your child. Featuring characters from Jessie & Friends, the 4-7s website helps children to recognise worrying or scary situations online through four interactive badges covering: watching videos, sharing pictures, online gaming and chatting online. Children collect stars and certificates by answering questions to help characters Jessie, Tia and Mo to 'Tell A Grown Up' when something appens online that is worrying, scary or upsetting.

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Before watching the Jessie & Friends animations with your child, read our advice on what else you can do to keep your child safe online. Jessie & Friends is also available to watch with subtitles or with British Sign Language interpretations.

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

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Young Peoples Voices - Strength Against Abuse

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Young Peoples Voices - Strength Against Abuse

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

‘Strength Against Abuse’ was the name chosen by young people engaged in a participation project that took place in Powys in 2017. The participation project sought to give these young people a voice on the topic of domestic abuse. The young people chose to translate their views and opinions into a 10 minute animated film, and had creative influence over its content and appearance.

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Young Peoples Voices - Strength Against Abuse

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

16 volunteers took part in a social experiment. They met without being able to see one another. Given the opportunity, we will most likely find common ground.

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Standing together we can achieve equality

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Standing together we can achieve equality

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

Everyone deserves respect for who they are and who they love.

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Standing together we can achieve equality

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

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A Fixers campaign led by Courtney Hendry: http://www.fixers.org.uk/news/12352-11208/confidence-in-coming-out.php Understanding that coming out can be a daunting prospect for LGBT young people, a group from Dunbartonshire in Scotland are sharing their experiences to reassure others. The team, led by 20-year-old Courtney Hendry, want to encourage support for LGBT young people about to open up to family and friends, while showing them that they aren't alone.

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Sexual Orientation Explained for Children

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Sexual Orientation Explained for Children

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

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Sexual Orientation Explained for Kids | Pop'n'Olly | Olly Pike

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

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Something I Need to Tell You | Pop'n'Olly | Olly Pike [CC]

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol
An award winning video animation commissioned by North Wales Police,  highlighting the dangers of county lines and exploitation.  The animation shows the importance of reaching out to parents/or a trusted adult for help and support.

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

“‘Created in collaboration with the BAFTA Award-winning animation studio, Blue Zoo Animation Studio, Sinking Feeling explores themes of loneliness, isolation and the importance of peer support; it tackles the heart-breaking reality that many children and young people are suffering in silence without the vital help and support they need.”).

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

The project aims to build greater capacity, expertise and mental health resilience for Children and Young People (CYP) across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.

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Resources created by the Resilience Project - a collaboration between the NHS Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and the Mental Health Foundation - aimed at building greater capacity, expertise and mental health resilience for children and young people.

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NYAS Cymru National Safeguarding week Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan - Mental Health & Wellbeing

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NYAS Cymru National Safeguarding week Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan - Mental Health & Wellbeing

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

The slides have a voice note for inclusion and accessibility, to access these simply click on the megaphone icon. This will be found from the second slide onward.

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NYAS Cymru National Safeguarding week Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan - Marketing Final

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Canllaw Hunan-gymorth Meddwlgarwch i Bobl yn eu Harddegau

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Canllaw Hunan-gymorth Meddwlgarwch i Bobl yn eu Harddegau

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Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr Proffesiynol

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Self-help Guide to Mindfulness for Teens

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Self-help Guide to Mindfulness for Teens

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For children/parents & carers/professionals

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Llyfr Gwaith Hunangymorth ar Orbryder i Bobl Ifanc mewn Ysgolion Uwchradd

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Llyfr Gwaith Hunangymorth ar Orbryder i Bobl Ifanc mewn Ysgolion Uwchradd

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Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr Proffesiynol

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An Anxiety Self-Help Workbook for Young People in Secondary School

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An Anxiety Self-Help Workbook for Young People in Secondary School

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For children/parents & carers/professionals

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Llyfr Gwaith Hunangymorth ar Hunan-barch a Hyder

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Llyfr Gwaith Hunangymorth ar Hunan-barch a Hyder

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Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr Proffesiynol

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A Confidence and Self-Esteem Self-Help Workbook for Young People in Secondary School

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A Confidence and Self-Esteem Self-Help Workbook for Young People in Secondary School

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For children/parents & carers/professionals

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Llyfr Gwaith Hunangymorth ar Hunan-niweidio

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Llyfr Gwaith Hunangymorth ar Hunan-niweidio

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Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr Proffesiynol

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A Self-Harm self-help workbook for young people in secondary school

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A Self-Harm self-help workbook for young people in secondary school

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For children/parents & carers/professionals

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Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr Proffesiynol

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Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr Proffesiynol

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Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr Proffesiynol

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For children/parents & carers/professionals

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STRATEGAETHAU PONTIO AR GYFERDISGYBLION BLWYDDYN 6/7

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STRATEGAETHAU PONTIO AR GYFERDISGYBLION BLWYDDYN 6/7

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Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr Proffesiynol

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TRANSITION STRATEGIES FOR YEAR 6/7 PUPILS

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TRANSITION STRATEGIES FOR YEAR 6/7 PUPILS

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For children/parents & carers/professionals

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

The film was produced by a group of young people who were identified as being at risk of sexual exploitation.  The film hopes to highlight and reduce the risk of sexual exploitation for other young people.

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Barnardo's & DfE - Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness - Animation

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Barnardo's & DfE - Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness - Animation

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

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Barnardo's & DfE - Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness - Animation

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

A link to a wide range of videos on topics that provide information about mental health and well-being

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These are videos that we have found useful working with young people and families as well as videos they have suggested to us.

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

Welcome to the young person’s mental health toolkit for 11 to 25-year-olds. Here you will find six playlists to direct you to a wide range of online resources.  In each of the playlists you'll find self-help websites, apps, helplines, and more that are here to support your mental health and well-being.

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

Abuse can happen in any area of life, It's important to know the signs of abuse and to understand there are lots of different ways of finding help

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The Spectrum Project- Key Stage 3 -Healthy relationship and support animation

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Healthy Relationship and support animation

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Healthy Relationship and support animation

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For children/parents & carers/professionals

Sometimes things happen that make us or someone we know feel sad, scared or worried, If you or someone you know feels like that, it's good to remember there are people who will listen to your worries.

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The Spectrum Project -Key Stage 2 -Healthy Relationship and support animation

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Foundation phase - Healthy Relationship and support animation

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Foundation phase - Healthy Relationship and support animation

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For children/parents & carers/professionals

Meet Max and learn about all the things he enjoys, one day a worry finds Max and sometimes it is joined by sadness and feeling scared, find out what Max should do about these feelings.

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The Spectrum Project- Foundation phase -Healthy Relationship and support animation

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Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

Dewch i gwrdd â Max a dysgu am yr holl bethau mae'n eu mwynhau. Un diwrnod mae pryder yn dod o hyd i Max ac weithiau mae tristwch a theimlo'n ofnus yn ymuno â'r pryder. Dewch i ddarganfod beth ddylai Max ei wneud am y teimladau hyn.

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Animeiddiad Perthnasau iach ac cefnogaeth

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Animeiddiad Perthnasau iach ac cefnogaeth

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Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr Proffesiynol

Weithiau mae pethau'n digwydd sy'n gwneud i ni neu rywun rydyn ni'n ei adnabod teimlo'n drist, yn ofnus neu'n bryderus. Os ydych chi neu rywun rydych chi'n ei adnabod yn teimlo'r teimladau hyn mae'n dda i gofio bod yna bobl bydd yn gwrando ar eich pryderon.

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Animeiddiad Perthnasau iach ac cefnogaeth- cyfnod allweddol 2- Prosiect Sbectrwm

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Dr Alex George's five top tips for good mental health and wellbeing

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Dr Alex George's five top tips for good mental health and wellbeing

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr Proffesiynol

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Dr Alex George's five top tips for good mental health and wellbeing

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr Proffesiynol

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

Reflective tools and resources to support safeguarding practice with young people,
for use by all those working with and caring for young people.

These resources / videos have been developed from research and partnership work with young people, foster carers, and social care and allied professionals.

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These resources and materials have been developed from research and partnership work with young people, foster carers, and social care and allied professionals.
They are designed for use by all those working with and caring for young people. If that's you, regardless of your role you may find them useful.

They share messages from young people with experiences of exploitation and harm, about how they experience safeguarding and support. The messages are also from those working with and caring for young people, about support needed and some of the challenges involved in safeguarding.

All the resources are designed as reflective tools to help you 'check your thinking' about key issues in safeguarding young people from exploitation, harms and other abuses, such as: assessing and managing risk, responding to young people, multi-agency practice, the importance of language and child-centred approaches.

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Check Your Thinking - Resources to support safeguarding practice with young people, for use by all those working with and caring for young people.

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These resources and materials have been developed from research and partnership work with young people, foster carers, and social care and allied professionals. They are designed for use by all those working with and caring for young people. If that's you, regardless of your role you may find them useful.

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For young people and professionals / pobl ifanc a gweithwyr proffesiynol

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Change Grow Live - Emotional Wellbeing Service for Cardiff and the Vale

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Change Grow Live - Emotional Wellbeing Service for Cardiff and the Vale

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For young people/parents & carers/professionals /
ar gyfer pobl ifanc/rhieni a gofalwyr/gweithwyr proffesiynol

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Emotional Wellbeing Service - Cardiff and the Vale

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We work with young people in groups and on a one-to-one basis to improve their emotional wellbeing and resilience. We also support young people who are experimenting with drugs and alcohol.

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Umbrella Cymru - Gender and Sexual Diversity Support Specialists

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For young people/professionals /Ar gyfer pobl ifanc/gweithwyr proffesiynol

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Umbrella Cymru – Gender and Sexual Diversity Support Specialists in Wales

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For young people / Ar gyfer pobl ifanc
This hub has been created by young people for young people, it provides information and links to services in relation to your emotional health and well-being.

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This hub has been created by young people for young people, it provides information and links to services in relation to your emotional health and well-being.

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For young people / ar gyfer pobl ifanc
Providing confidential advice and support for young people 11-19 years old

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Chat_health SCREEN POSTER_1920X1080 DEC 2019

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CASCADE research: Child criminal exploitation in Wales

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CASCADE research: Child criminal exploitation in Wales

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

There is limited research on child criminal exploitation with far less known about how this manifests in Wales. This Health Care Research Wales funded study, carried out by the Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre,  addressed this research gap. The study examined how children are targeted, groomed, and criminally exploited in Wales.

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For parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

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Talking Mental Health animation and toolkit 

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Talking Mental Health animation and toolkit 

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For professionals - Ar gyfer gweithwyr proffesiynol

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Our use of cookies

We use necessary cookies to make our site work. We'd also like to set optional analytics to help us improve it. We won't set optional cookies unless you enable them. Using this tool will set a cookie on your device to remember your preferences.

For more detailed information about the cookies we use, see our Cookies page

Necessary cookies

Necessary cookies enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. You may disable these by changing your browser settings, but this may affect how the website functions.

Analytics cookies

We'd like to set non-essential cookies, such as Google Analytics, to help us to improve our website by collecting and reporting information on how you use it. The cookies collect information in a way that does not directly identify anyone. For more information on how these cookies work, please see our Cookies page. If you are 16 or under, please ask a parent or carer for consent before accepting.

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Talking mental health | Mental health toolkit for teachers | Starting conversations about mental health | Anna Freud Centre

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Talking Mental Health is an animation and accompanying teacher toolkit designed to help begin conversations about mental health in the classroom and beyond.

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We all have mental health animation and toolkit (secondary) 

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We all have mental health animation and toolkit (secondary) 

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

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We all have mental health: animation & teacher toolkit

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This animation and accompanying teacher toolkit is aimed at Key stage 3 secondary school pupils (Years 7-9). They were developed in collaboration with young people, teachers and mental health experts.

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Mae gan bawb iechyd meddwl animeiddiad a phecyn cymorth

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Mae gan bawb iechyd meddwl animeiddiad a phecyn cymorth

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Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr Proffesiynol

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Our use of cookies

We use necessary cookies to make our site work. We'd also like to set optional analytics to help us improve it. We won't set optional cookies unless you enable them. Using this tool will set a cookie on your device to remember your preferences.

For more detailed information about the cookies we use, see our Cookies page

Necessary cookies

Necessary cookies enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. You may disable these by changing your browser settings, but this may affect how the website functions.

Analytics cookies

We'd like to set non-essential cookies, such as Google Analytics, to help us to improve our website by collecting and reporting information on how you use it. The cookies collect information in a way that does not directly identify anyone. For more information on how these cookies work, please see our Cookies page. If you are 16 or under, please ask a parent or carer for consent before accepting.

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Mae gan bawb Iechyd meddwl: animeiddiad a phecyn cymorth i athrawon

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We use necessary cookies to make our site work. We'd also like to set optional analytics to help us improve it. We won't set optional cookies unless you enable them. Using this tool will set a cookie on your device to remember your preferences.

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For parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr Proffesiynol

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Internet and social media information page for schools

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Internet and social media information page for schools

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr Proffesiynol

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Social media and the internet can have both positive and negative effects on children and young people's mental health. Schools play an important role in educating pupils on how to stay safe online.

Research into the impact of internet and social media use on the mental health of young people is lacking. In a 2020 report, the Royal College of Psychiatrists called for more detailed and extensive studies in this area.

We know that the internet and social media can impact both positively and negatively on a young person's life and wellbeing.

For example, a 2019 review from the government's Science and Technology Committee found that the majority of teenagers said that social media improved their relationships with their friends. However, the same report also highlights research stating that young people with a mental health disorder were more likely to use social media, and more likely to be on social media for longer.

Increase in internet and social media use by age

5-7 year olds

8-11 year olds

12-15 year olds

5% have a smartphone

35% have a smartphone

83% have a smartphone

67% go online for nearly 9.5 hours a week

93% go online for nearly 12.5 hours a week

99% go online for nearly 20.5 hours a week

4% have a social media account

18% have a social media account

69% have a social media account

Source: 2019 OECD Report, What do we know about children and technology?

Impact on mental health and wellbeing

Young people utilise social media for a number of reasons. Using social media can help some young people access support, receive reassurance, feel connected or manage social anxiety.

But for others, using social media can become compulsive and fuel unhealthy comparisons. It can expose them to bullying and see them becoming more isolated, which can lead to their mental health deteriorating.

What schools and further education settings can do

If you are at all concerned about a child or young person, you should always speak to your designated safeguarding lead as a matter of priority. They will be able to advise on suitable next steps, and speaking to them about any concerns should always be the first action you take, ahead of any of the suggestions on this page.

As children and young people spend an increasing proportion of their time online, education settings have an important role to play in helping pupils to use the internet in a safe, responsible and positive way. Schools and colleges will often use digital devices as a tool for learning, so it's essential for them to teach children and young people about managing any risks online.

Search our resource library for tips, activities and lesson plans on how to keep children safe online and build their digital resilience.

There are lots of things that schools and colleges can do - here are a few approaches:

training school/college staff in online risks and safety issues, and on how to protect and support children and young people online. This can include how to notice when a young person feels emotionally unsafe online.

working with pupils to develop effective digital safety skills, policies and procedures to help children and young people stay safe online both inside and outside of the education setting

talking openly about cyberbullying to help children and young people understand what behaviour is not acceptable online, what the consequences are for violating these rules, and how they might report cyberbullying

working with and informing parents and carers on how they can reduce their child's exposure to online risks

encouraging peer support where pupils are trained and supervised to offer their peers advice on how to stay safe online. This Anna Freud Centre resource shares advice for young people on how to support a friend who may be having difficulties with their mental health

encouraging pupils to track how much time that they are spending online and to get a good night's sleep and switch off their phone an hour before they go to bed. This can include helping pupils to stagger and slowly reduce the time that they spend online and increase the balance with non-online activities

encouraging pupils to reflect on their use of social media - how they feel before they use it and how they feel afterwards. If they notice that it is having a negative effect on their emotions and behaviours, encourage them to review the people or accounts that they are engaging with, or speak to someone that they trust

primary schools should focus on strengthening children's digital safety prior to transitioning to secondary school.

Online counselling and support services

If a child feels worried, unsafe or needs to chat to someone, refer them to Childline where they can chat to a counsellor over the phone (0800 1111) or online. Older children may prefer to contact The Mix on 0808 808 4994 or online. You can also view our resource library for details of other more specialist helpline services.

NetAware is a helpful platform to signpost parents and carers to. This website reviews the most popular apps, games and social media platforms that children use, and provides useful information and advice on any potential risks to be aware of.

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Internet and social media : Mentally Healthy Schools

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Social media and the internet can have both positive and negative effects on children and young people's mental health. Schools play an important role in educating pupils on how to stay safe online. Research into the impact of internet and social media use on the mental health of young people is lacking.

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Drugs and alcohol information page for schools

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Drugs and alcohol information page for schools

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr Proffesiynol

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Young people need to make well-informed and safe choices around their decisions regarding alcohol and drug use.

It is important that they have a clear understanding of risks, not only to their physical health, but also to their mental wellbeing. Although rates of smoking and alcohol use by young people have declined in recent years, an NHS survey of young people aged 11 to 15 found that:

5% of students are smokers

22% of 15-year olds had been drunk in the last week

9% of students reported they had taken drugs in the last week

While some amount of experimentation with substances is normal for young people, excessive use can cause physical and mental health issues.

How do drugs and alcohol affect children and young people's mental health?

Many young people will drink alcohol or take substances with no long-lasting effects. Young people may enjoy the feelings of confidence, energy or relaxation that drugs and alcohol can bring, or it may be part of trying a new experience and fitting in socially.

However, for some young people, drugs or alcohol can be a form of self-medication or coping mechanism. Young people may view substances as a means of managing difficult or painful feelings - for example, arising from early traumatic experiences, loneliness, family breakdown or difficulties engaging with school.

However, drugs and alcohol can make difficult feelings more painful, and can make existing mental health conditions worse. For example, as the effects of alcohol or drugs wear off, difficult feelings may feel more intense and painful. Drugs and alcohol could also interfere with existing prescribed medications.

Young people may experience peer pressure to engage in drug taking or drinking, to fit in as part of a social group. Substance use can affect young people's judgment leading to risky behaviours, putting an already vulnerable young person in greater danger.

Addiction to substances is also a risk. If a young person becomes addicted to alcohol or drugs, their focus moves to feeding their habits, rather than engaging with learning or socialising.

Identifying the signs

While this is not an exhaustive list, there are some signs school staff can look out for that may indicate a problem with alcohol or drugs:

change in school performance

persistent lateness

mood swings

being absent from lessons or school

smelling of alcohol or cannabis

restlessness or tiredness

becoming more secretive, distancing themselves from friendship groups

reports of money disappearing from home or friends

lack of care in appearance

What schools and further education settings can do

If you are at all concerned about a child or young person, you should always speak to your designated safeguarding lead as a matter of priority. They will be able to advise on suitable next steps, and speaking to them about any concerns should always be the first action you take, ahead of any of the suggestions on this page.

There are many other ways that schools can help children and young people navigate experiences with alcohol and drugs, including:

writing an accessible drugs and alcohol policy that is shared with students, staff, parents, governors and the whole school community

having clear school rules regarding the use of drugs and alcohol which are regularly referred to and discussed

ensuring there is high quality drug and alcohol education for all students from a young age, making use of specialists where available to talk confidently about local issues

providing high quality training for staff so that they are able to give informed advice and guidance

ensuring there is a senior member of staff who is responsible for updating the drugs and alcohol policy and liaising with local police and support services

providing support and places of safe talking for vulnerable students, especially where there is drug or alcohol misuse in the family

helping young people develop a sense of attachment to school and view it as a place of acceptance, so that they can voice their worries about their own personal choices and those in their family

involving the pastoral team and school nurse in providing support

Concerned about a child or young person?

If you are worried that a child or young person is at risk, involve your designated safeguarding lead as a matter of priority who will contact the parents/carers and other services as necessary. If the child or young person is at immediate risk, ensure that they are taken to their GP or A&E as a matter of urgency, depending on the severity of the concern.

Find out more

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Drugs and alcohol : Mentally Healthy Schools

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Young people need to make well-informed and safe choices around their decisions regarding alcohol and drug use.

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Child criminal exploitation information page for schools

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Child criminal exploitation information page for schools

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr Proffesiynol

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Islington Council Health and Wellbeing Team Author

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Child criminal exploitation : Mentally Healthy Schools

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The Home Office defines child criminal exploitation as ‘where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18’. The term is often used to refer to children and young people involved in gangs, althou…

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Fi wyt ti (Sain Cymraeg)  (Welsh with closed captions)

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol

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Barnardos - Vale of Glamorgan Community & Schools Based Counselling Service

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Barnardos - Vale of Glamorgan Community & Schools Based Counselling Service

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For children and young people / Ar gyfer plant a phobl ifanc

Barnardo's Community & Schools Based Counselling Service

If you are aged between 10-19 and live or attend school in Vale of Glamorgan you can access this service for free.
We deliver:

IN SCHOOLS – we are located in all secondary schools across the Vale

WITHIN THE COMMUNITY – locations include the Business Service Centre (BSC), Barry, near the waterfront and Ely Family Centre, Cardiff.

ONLINE - Our counsellors have access to a range of platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom and WhatsApp.

It takes courage to ask for help, it’s ok not to be ok.

At Barnardo’s we believe that no young person should feel like their life cannot get better, we are here for you, to listen, to learn what life is like for you and to ensure you get the right support.

WHAT IS COUNSELLING?

Counselling provides a safe space for you to talk about your life, your feelings, and your current situation. It is a source of emotional support that provides you with the ability to talk to someone that is outside of your family or friends. The relationship with the counsellor is based on trust, you will decide what you want to talk about in the sessions, our job is to nurture and support your wellbeing whilst always thinking about your safety.

HOW TO GET HELP? - Please visit the SBC Service website

Help for Grief:

https://vimeo.com/642700153/ccc598e654

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For professionals working in education settings / Ar gyfer gweithwyr proffesiynol sy'n gweithio mewn lleoliadau addysg

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Support for Education Staff in UK - Barnardos Education Hub

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Barnardo’s - BEC - Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing across Education in the UK

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For parents and carers / Ar gyfer rhieni a gofalwyr
To help you find information, advice, guidance and support for all stages of your parenting or caring journey.

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Being a parent or carer can be the most wonderful thing in the world and can bring so much love and joy into your life. We also know that the responsibility of parenthood and the daily challenges of this role can be as daunting as they can be exciting.

The Family Space is here for you. Our virtual family hub offers information, advice, guidance and support for all stages of your parenting or caring journey.

Our nationwide network of family hubs and children's centres provides services directly to parents and care givers of children of all ages. If you aren't able to get to a centre or hub, we hope you will find what you need here.

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Barnardo's Family Space is our virtual family hub offering information, advice and support for all stages of your parenting or caring journey.

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I am you  (BSL - BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE VERSION)

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol
An award winning video animation commissioned by North Wales Police,  highlighting the dangers of county lines and exploitation.  The animation shows the importance of reaching out to parents/or a trusted adult for help and support.

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Tricked and Trapped (English Audio & Sub Titles)

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Tricked and Trapped (English Audio & Sub Titles)

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For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol
An award winning video animation commissioned by North Wales Police,  highlighting the dangers of county lines and exploitation.  The animation shows the importance of reaching out to parents/or a trusted adult for help and support.

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Tricked and Trapped (Welsh with subtitles)

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Tricked and Trapped (Welsh with subtitles)

# data[].attributes.body
For children/parents & carers/professionals - Ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rhieni/gofalwyr a gweithwyr proffesiynol
An award winning video animation commissioned by North Wales Police,  highlighting the dangers of county lines and exploitation.  The animation shows the importance of reaching out to parents/or a trusted adult for help and support.

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For children and young people/ ar gyfer plant a phobl ifanc

Are you concerned about yourself or a friend?  It is important that you know how to keep yourself safe and who you can turn to if you need help and support.

If you, a friend or someone you know is being hurt, treated in a way that makes you feel scared or unsafe, or you feel very alone or unhappy, please tell someone about it so they can try to help you.  Talk to an adult you trust, like a teacher or a nurse at your school.  They will listen to you and support you, and talk through what can be done to help sort things out.

To find out who you can contact for help, please click on the link provided above.

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Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Regional Safeguarding Board

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If you have concerns about a child's health or well being act on them. Even if your concerns seem small to you, please report them. All reports are taken seriously and acted upon sensitively. Action will be taken to safeguard children in immediate danger.

All children are entitled to protection, irrespective of race, ethnicity, religion or socio-economic background. When there appears to be a conflict of interest between the protection of the child and that of the community/religious institution it is the protection of the child that must come first.

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Reporting concerns - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Regional Safeguarding Board

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If you have concerns about a child's health or well being act on them. Even if your concerns seem small to you, please report them. All reports are taken seriously and acted upon sensitively. Action will be taken to safeguard children in immediate danger.