Young Person · Trusted Adults
Name three adults you can talk to
You don't need to know why — just have the names ready before you need them.
Who counts as a trusted adult?
Someone who listens without shouting, who will help you fix things instead of punishing you, and who you'd be okay bumping into after telling them a hard thing. Parents, carers, aunties/uncles, older cousins over 18, teachers, learning mentors, coaches, youth workers, GPs, faith leaders.
The 'one-in, one-out, one-far' rule
- One IN your house — a parent, carer, or sibling over 18.
- One OUT of your house — a teacher, coach, or youth worker.
- One FAR away — Childline 0800 1111. Free from any phone, no name needed.
What to say when it's hard to start
- "Something is worrying me and I don't want to be told off for it."
- "Can I show you a message and you promise not to react until I've finished?"
- "I'm not asking you to fix it — I just need you to know."
If the first adult doesn't listen
Tell the next one. And the next. A grown-up not listening is their mistake, not yours. Childline will always listen (0800 1111). So will us: Ask OWL any time.