{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EForming and exploring relationships of all types is important to children and young people as they grow up. Scouts plays a vital role in supporting them to do this safely and to promote healthy relationships.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHealthy relationships include:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EGood communication\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMutual respect\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETrust\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHonesty\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEquality\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/friends-relationships-sex/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Friends, relationships \u0026amp; sex (Childline)\u0022\u003EChildline\u003C/a\u003E has great advice for children and young people who need \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/friends-relationships-sex/friends/friendships/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Friendships (Childline)\u0022\u003Ehelp with friendships\u003C/a\u003E and \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/friends-relationships-sex/friends/peer-pressure/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Peer pressure (Childline)\u0022\u003Epeer pressure\u003C/a\u003E, and \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/friends-relationships-sex/friends/top-tips-making-friends/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Top tips for making friends (Childline)\u0022\u003Etop tips for making friends\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003ERomantic relationships\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEstablishing healthy relationships isn\u2019t always easy. Unhealthy relationships can have a negative impact on mental health and can sometimes cause harm to children and young people.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EBeing in a close friendship or romantic relationship where there\u2019s an age gap isn\u2019t always a problem, but there are some things to think about. An age gap can mean there\u2019s a difference in what children and young people can do and there can be an imbalance of power. This can lead to a child or young person being vulnerable and at risk of harm.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s important that volunteers discuss with parents or carers if children and young people are in close friendships or romantic relationships where there is a large age gap and report to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Relationships with age gaps"}]},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EWhat the Yellow Card says\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAll adults in Scouts must follow the Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults (\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safeguarding-code-of-conduct-for-adults-yellow-card/\u0022 title=\u0022Young People First - Yellow Card\u0022\u003EYellow Card\u003C/a\u003E).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Yellow Card says: \u0027Do not overstep the boundaries with children and young people by being involved in friendships or personal relationships with them.\u0027\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAdults in Scouts are in a position of trust and responsibility with children and young people, and any sexual relationship between a youth member (even if they are over 16) is unacceptable and must be reported to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team in line with our Yellow Card.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EWhat the law says about sex\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E16 is the legal age of consent in the UK for all genders and sexual identities and young people under the age of 13 cannot legally consent to any form of sexual activity. The Sexual Offences Act (SOA) England 2003, Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009, and Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008 introduced a series of laws to protect children and young people from sexual abuse. The law does not intend to prosecute mutually agreed teenage sexual activity between two young people of a similar age and development unless it involves abuse or exploitation.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe term \u0027sexting\u0027 is used to describe the sending of sexually explicit photos, messages and videos, by text, email or posting them on social media sites. Children and young people may send such messages, images or video. They can also be forced, tricked or coerced into sharing images by other children, young people or adults in-person and online. \u00A0\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u0027s a criminal offence to create or share explicit images of a child (under 18s). However, the law is intended to protect children and not criminalise them. Whether a child or young person shares an image consensually or not, they have no control over how other people might use or share it. They may experience bullying or isolation if the image is shared around peer groups.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPerpetrators of abuse may circulate a nude image more widely and use this to blackmail a child or groom them for further sexual abuse. It\u2019s vital that children and young people are supported when such incidents occur. \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/online-mobile-safety/report-remove/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Report Remove (Childline)\u0022\u003EReport Remove\u003C/a\u003E is a tool created by the NSPCC\u202Fand Internet Watch Foundation to help young people under 18 in the UK to confidentially report sexual images and videos of themselves and remove them from the internet.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf adults in Scouts have any concerns about a child or young person, they must follow the Yellow Card and report their concerns to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Sexting"}]},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ETalking to children and young people about sex and relationships\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EChildren are naturally curious and they may ask questions about their bodies, relationships, sex and sexuality. Scouts can support them by promoting safe, healthy and responsible relationships.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEvery child is different and may become interested in relationships, sex and sexuality at slightly different ages. But as children get older, the way they express their sexual feelings changes. It\u2019s natural for teenagers to show interest in sex and relationships for example, or for children to be curious about the changes that happen during puberty.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMany sexual behaviours children and teenagers show as they grow up are normal and healthy, so long as they\u2019re not causing harm to others or to the children themselves.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EParents and carers are still likely to be the preferred sources of information and advice for most young people, and schools complement this by providing relationships education in primary schools and relationships and sex education in secondary schools. Adults in Scouting can have a trusted role, and this makes them a potential source of information and advice for children and young people.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EScouts has a role in helping young people develop the confidence and self-esteem to resist peer pressure until they are ready to make safe and informed decisions about sexual activity. However, many young people are already sexually active, and adults in Scouts can support them by promoting safe, healthy and responsible relationships. Scouts volunteers can also provide information and support. This is not about encouraging sexual activity in young people, but giving them the tools to make informed and healthy choices and helping them develop the confidence and self-esteem to resist peer pressure.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003ESignposting to services\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf a child or young person asks about sexual health matters, try to provide age-appropriate information and refer them to local health professionals, such as their GP.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHighlight the benefits of the child or young person talking to their parents or carers. Most importantly, if you are concerned about the child or young person\u2019s welfare, you must report it to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team. You must do this, even in circumstances where the child or young person specifically asks you not to or is reluctant to co-operate. The safety and welfare of children and young people is paramount.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAdults should be prepared to give information to young people who seek it. If you are uncomfortable about discussing these issues, refer them to your local sexual health services.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Providing advice to children and young people"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAdults in Scouts should offer age-appropriate guidance to young people, regardless of their own faith and values. Personal interpretations of faith range from the liberal to the strictly traditional. Every religion has its own teachings regarding relationships and contraception, and it is important to respect the right of young people to make the choices that they feel are right for them. All young people are entitled to information and advice that allows them to make informed choices. While some Scout Groups are sponsored by religious bodies, this should not be a barrier to providing age-appropriate advice to children and young people.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Sex and religion"}]},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThe Scout programme and healthy sexual relationships\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EVolunteers in the Explorer Scout Section should consider how their programme can support young people in making healthy, safe and informed decisions about relationships and sex. Explorers meetings could give young people the opportunity to discuss issues with their peer group that may not be so easily discussed elsewhere.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESuggested programme ideas can be found in the\u202F\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://prod-cms.scouts.org.uk//media/7006/mybodymychoice-leaders.pdf\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022My body, my choice leaders resource\u0022\u003EMy Body, My Choice resource\u003C/a\u003E which helps Explorer Volunteers who want to explore the topic of relationships and sexual health with young people. It has been produced with the support of Brook, the young people\u2019s sexual health charity, and reflects Scouts values and offers a range of programme material.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003ESexual orientation and gender identity\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAdults in Scouts must be aware of issues such as sexism, misogyny, homophobia and gender stereotypes. Adults have an important role to play in modelling positive behaviours and must take positive action to build a culture where these issues are not tolerated. Any occurrences must be identified and resolved appropriately.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EScouts is an inclusive organisation and welcomes everyone, including those who are part of \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/lgbtqplus/\u0022 title=\u0022LGBTQ\u002B\u0022\u003ELGBTQ\u002B\u003C/a\u003E communities. Everyone should be treated with respect and discrimination must be challenged.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003ESexual violence and sexual harassment\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAdults in Scouts should be aware of the importance of making clear that sexual violence and sexual harassment are not acceptable, will never be tolerated and are not an inevitable part of growing up.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAn understanding for young people of healthy relationships, acceptable behaviour and the right to equal treatment will help ensure that they treat each other well and go on to be respectful and kind adults in healthy relationships. Childline has guidance for children and young people \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/abuse-safety/sexual-harassment/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Sexual harassment (Childline)\u0022\u003Edealing with sexual harassment\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERemember, if you\u2019re concerned about the welfare of a child or young person, follow the \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safeguarding-code-of-conduct-for-adults-yellow-card/\u0022 title=\u0022Young People First - Yellow Card\u0022\u003EYellow Card\u003C/a\u003E.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]},{"items":[{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThese websites provide information and advice. You can also share them with young people.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHealthy relationships\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022http://www.childline.org.uk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022ChildLine website\u0022\u003EChildline\u003C/a\u003E offers free and confidential telephone counselling service for children and young people with any problem.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/information/young-people/advice\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Advice for young people (Children\u0027s Society)\u0022\u003EThe Children\u2019s Society\u003C/a\u003E offers online advice for young people about healthy relationships and abusive relationships.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk/11_18/lets-talk-about/relationships/healthy-relationships/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Healthy relationships (CEOP)\u0022\u003ECEOP\u003C/a\u003E offers online guidance for young people about healthy relationships.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://knowaboutcse.co.uk/youngpeople/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Young People (CSE)\u0022\u003EKnow about CSE\u003C/a\u003E offers online advice for young people about safe and healthy relationships.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESexual health\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022http://www.avert.org/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Avert homepage\u0022\u003EAvert\u003C/a\u003E is an international HIV and AIDS charity based in the UK, with the aim of AVERTing HIV and AIDS worldwide.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.beintheknow.org/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Be in the know homepage\u0022\u003EBe in the know\u003C/a\u003E is an international HIV and AIDS charity based in the UK, which provides information on sex and sexual health.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.bpas.org/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022BPAS homepage\u0022\u003EBritish Pregnancy Advisory Service\u003C/a\u003E supports reproductive choice by advocating and providing high-quality, affordable services to prevent or end unwanted pregnancy with contraception or by abortion.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022http://www.brook.org.uk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Brook homepage\u0022\u003EBrook\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;is the only national voluntary sector provider of free and confidential sexual health advice and services specifically for young people under 25.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022http://www.fpa.org.uk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022FPA homepage\u0022\u003EFPA\u003C/a\u003E offers information on contraception and sexual health.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.gires.org.uk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022GIRES homepage\u0022\u003EGIRES\u003C/a\u003E is a UK wide organisation whose purpose is to improve the lives of trans and gender non-conforming people of all ages, including those who are non-binary and non-gender.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.msichoices.org.uk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022MSI Reproductive Choices homepage\u0022\u003EMSI Reproductive Choices UK\u003C/a\u003E is the country\u0027s leading reproductive healthcare charity, which provides the following services: abortion, contraception, emergency contraception, female sterilisation, health screening and vasectomy.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022http://www.nhs.uk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022NHS homepage\u0022\u003ENHS Heath A-Z\u003C/a\u003E offers reliable health advice 24 hours a day 365 days a year.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/online-mobile-safety/report-remove/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Report Remove (Childline)\u0022\u003EReport Remove\u003C/a\u003E is a tool from NSPCC and the Internet Watch Foundation to support young people to remove nude images of themselves online.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022http://www.sexwise.fpa.org.uk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Sexwise homepage\u0022\u003ESexwise\u003C/a\u003E is a national sexual and reproductive health promotion programme, run by Public Health England.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022http://www.tht.org.uk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Terrence Higgins Trust homepage\u0022\u003ETerrence Higgins Trust\u003C/a\u003E offers help and support to people who are living with, know someone with, or think they might be at risk from HIV.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022http://www.theproudtrust.org/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022The Proud Trust homepage\u0022\u003EThe Proud Trust\u003C/a\u003E is the home of LGBT\u002B young people, helping them to empower themselves, to make a positive change for themselves, and their communities.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Further 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