Spotlight on Safe from Harm Week!

6 minutes

World Scouting is spreading a culture of safety and well-being in Scouting with “Safe from Harm Week”! From 16 to 21 May 2022, we will be shining a spotlight on our work to raise awareness and act together to create safe Scouting experiences for all.

Scouting should always provide safe spaces for everyone - whether online or in person - where all participants can be themselves, share their experiences and concerns, and have their voices heard. As Scouts, volunteers, Scout Leaders, National Scout Organizations (NSOs) and WOSM, this is always what we aim to provide in Scouting!

Keeping children, young people and adults Safe from Harm means keeping them safe in Scouting and beyond from any harm or abuse by preventing issues from occurring, being prepared to act swiftly and responsibly on reports of violence, harassment, bullying, neglect, personal health, safety or well-being concerns, and more.

What can you expect from WOSM this week?

  • All week: Follow us on social media (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) to learn ways to integrate Safe from Harm in Scouting, including creating safe environments in person, the importance of Safe from Harm, integrating dialogue, online safety, how to report a concern or violation, and more.
  • Wednesday, 18 May: Tune-in to our Instagram Live at 20:00 Malaysia Time and ask a question about ways to make your Scout group even safer.
  • All week: Check our Facebook page for stories about how Scouts in South Africa and Canada are making Scouting safer for all.
  • Friday, 20 May: Participate in our Instagram stories throughout the day to reflect on situations you may encounter and how you can respond to them.
  • Saturday, 21 May: WOSM is hosting a webinar for Safe from Harm Coordinators to share good child and youth safeguarding practices being implemented by NSOs.

Did you know? World Scouting provides Safe from Harm training and resources for all:

  • Everyone plays a role in keeping children and young people safe from harm. Learn more about how you can help make everyone feel safe, inside and outside of #Scouts, with our short online course: www.scout.org/elearning-sfh-essential available in English, French, Spanish and Russian
  • Scout Leaders and NSOs can access Safe from Harm resources and request WOSM Services here: https://services.scout.org/service/6
  • As part of our commitment to safeguard children and young people, all World Scouting staff and volunteers are required to take a Safe from Harm training. This training helps team members understand our policies and procedures, so they are empowered to help protect Scouts. Take the latest training here: https://www.scout.org/elearning-sfh2-advanced

Let’s use this week to further reflect on Safe from Harm and spread a culture of safety and well-being in Scouting!

Do you have a Safe from Harm concern?

Remember, if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in a situation - or you see a situation is making someone else uncomfortable or unsafe - it is your responsibility to flag it. Talk to someone you trust, follow the reporting procedure from your Scout Group or address it with the person affected.

To report a concern within World Scouting’s events or projects, e-mail your report to safefromharm@scout.org, including your contact information and as many details as you can provide so our team can assist you.

To learn more about Safe from Harm in Scouting, go to: www.scout.org/safefromharm

 

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