At times we underestimate the amount of danger we could be in either because we don’t realize we’re in danger, or we don’t want to accept how dangerous a situation is. Being safe is important. Here are actions you can take to ensure your safety:
Assess the situation. Ask yourself: How likely is it that someone could hurt me?
Find support. If possible, talk to someone you trust, like a friend, teacher, counselor, or other mental health professional.
Talk to the police. If you feel you are in imminent danger, call the police.
Believe in yourself. If someone is threatening to hurt you or harming you in any way, it can be hard to maintain your self-confidence. Remember: It’s never O.K. for someone to hurt or threaten to hurt you.
Prevent access to your internet activity. If someone is hurting you and you are searching for help on the internet, you may not want that person to have access to this information. The Nemours Foundation offers several suggestions for internet safety. Check out the Safe online chat fact sheet for more information on this topic.
Stop and think about the consequences of taking unnecessary risks. Some things that jeopardize your safety are things you can control. It’s particularly tempting when you first get out on your own and are not under your family’s eye to experiment and try things that you might not have tried before. That’s natural. But you can still be independent without making unsafe choices.
Remember: There are many people and services that can help. Just talking to someone you trust about your concerns can help you see your options more clearly.
Acknowledgement: This fact sheet was originally developed by youth and staff at ReachOut.com, a website that helps teens get through tough times.
