POSH

Safe Adult Network Card

It takes a village to raise a child. It takes a village to protect them.
This page helps families build a clear, calm, shared safety language around children.

SAFE ADULT NETWORK
Parents
Grandparents
Teachers
Coaches
Family
Whole-family protection
SAME LANGUAGE. SAME STANDARD. SAFER CHILDREN.

Children move between homes, schools, sports, sleepovers, family events, online games, group chats, and digital spaces. They are safer when the adults around them recognise the same warning signs and respond in the same calm way.

The goal is not to scare every adult.
The goal is to give every safe adult a simple role, clear language, and the confidence to act early.

Who this card is for

Home adults

Parents, step-parents, carers, guardians, grandparents, babysitters, and sleepover adults.

Community adults

Teachers, coaches, youth workers, activity leaders, mentors, club volunteers, and school staff.

Family network

Aunties, uncles, older siblings, cousins, family friends, and trusted adults children already know.

Every adult does not need the same responsibility. But every safe adult should know when to speak up.

The POSH Safe Adult Network Card

1. Stay calm. A child may only tell part of the truth at first.

2. Do not shame. Shame makes children hide more.

3. Listen first. Find out what happened before reacting.

4. Do not promise secrecy. Promise support, not silence.

5. Preserve key details. Do not delete or spread evidence.

6. Involve the right adult. Parent, guardian, school, organisation, or emergency help.

7. Act early. Waiting for perfect proof can increase risk.

A safe adult does not carry unsafe secrets.

Warning signs every safe adult should recognise

Secrecy Deleted Messages Late-Night Contact Hidden Accounts Mood Changes Gifts Or Currency One Person Matters Too Much Pressure To Keep Secrets Fear Of Losing Device Move To Another App Threats Or Blackmail Talk Of Meeting
One sign does not prove harm. Several signs together mean a safe adult should slow down and check.

What every safe adult should say first

If a child tells you something

“I am glad you told me. You are not in trouble for speaking up. I am going to stay calm and help.”

If they ask you to keep it secret

“I cannot promise to keep unsafe things secret, but I can promise I will support you and only involve the people needed to help.”

If they feel ashamed

“What happened does not make you bad. We are going to focus on safety, not blame.”

If there are threats

“You do not have to reply anymore. We need to save what happened and get the right help.”

What safe adults must not do

Do not explode, shame, accuse, or punish the child for speaking.

Do not promise secrecy when safety may be involved.

Do not investigate beyond your role.

Do not confront the suspected person first.

Do not forward sexualised evidence involving a child.

Do not let a child carry adult responsibility alone.

Safe adults support and escalate. They do not create more risk.

Role-specific next step

Parents & step-parents

Build the safety plan, preserve evidence, check devices calmly, and choose reporting pathways where needed.

Parent Training

Grandparents

Notice changes, stay calm, do not shame, and involve the parent or guardian where safe.

Grandparents Guide

Teachers & school staff

Follow school safeguarding processes, document concerns, and escalate through the correct pathway.

Teacher Training

Coaches & activity leaders

Avoid private secrecy, support the child, document concerns, and follow club or organisation procedures.

Coach Training

Older siblings

You are not responsible for fixing adult problems. Do not carry unsafe secrets. Tell a safe adult.

Older Sibling Guide

Babysitters & sleepover adults

Keep supervision visible, avoid secrecy, and contact the parent or guardian if something feels unsafe.

Babysitter Guide

Safe adult network questions

Ask your family network

  • Do we all know the warning signs?
  • Do we all know what to say first?
  • Do we know who to contact if something feels wrong?
  • Do we agree not to shame the child?
  • Do we know not to spread evidence?

Teach the child

  • You can tell more than one safe adult.
  • You will not be blamed for asking for help.
  • Unsafe secrets do not need to be protected.
  • If someone threatens you, tell a safe adult quickly.
  • You do not have to handle online pressure alone.

Best connected pages

Final POSH reminder

Children are safer when adults use the same calm language.

Children are safer when adults know what not to do.

Children are safer when no safe adult carries unsafe secrets alone.

A safe village recognises, responds, and protects.