Safety for 16-19 year olds

Bullying is deliberate, intended to cause hurt or harm, is repeated and involves an imbalance of power. It can be carried out physically, verbally or via technology such as email or messaging. 

Bullying is a frightening experience, it can isolate and damage self-confidence. Ongoing bullying can have negative long-term effects, leading to depression and even suicidal thoughts and actions.

It is never okay to bully and if this is happening at school, tell a teacher. 

Information and advice is available from: 

• Anti Bullying Alliance
• DfE Advice guidance

Coping with pressure from friends to act in a certain way can be difficult for children. They may feel they have to try drugs or alcohol just to fit in.

There is a lot of helpful information that may help you understand the possible effects of taking drugs and drinking alcohol. 

Help and advice can be found on the following websites: 

• Frank: advice about drugs
• Young Minds: guidance around drugs and alcohol

Our substance advice service provide information, advice and education. They also provide treatment programs for children and young people who want to cut down or quit using drugs and/or alcohol.

The internet is a wonderful way for young people to find information, help them study, keep in contact with friends and meet new ones. 

However, it is also an easy tool for abuse. Paedophiles can use chatrooms to become friendly with young people, often by pretending to be the same age. Using the internet too much can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle and can be addictive. 

Internet matters provide information on how to keep safe while using the internet.

Gambling is where people risk money or valuable items to win a prize based on an unknown result. It is a game of chance, so the odds of winning are generally low. 

The legal gambling age in the UK is 18 for most activities, including casinos, betting shops and online gambling. However, you must be 16 to purchase lottery tickets and scratchcards, and to bet on football pools. 

Video games can also involve risk taking on unknown results, therefore encouraging gambling-like behaviour.

Help and advice is available on the following websites: 

• GamCare
• GambleAware

It is important for young people to learn about relationships, love, sex, sexually transmitted infections and contraception.

Although the law says that both boys and girls can have sex at 16, some young people under this age may be already having sex. It is okay to say no to sex, even if friends say that they are doing it. 

Yuno is a service that offers free, confidential sexual health services for North Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

If you have a concern about a young person and inappropriate sexual behaviour (ISB) or harmful sexual behaviour (HSB), you should refer them to the Youth Inclusion Support Project (YISP).

While every young person feels highs and lows, for some it can turn into depression. Young people are more vulnerable and sensitive to what is happening to them and less experienced at dealing with problems and anxieties. 

Depression can be triggered by several factors, including:

• parents splitting up
• feeling ignored and unloved
• not being listened to
• losing friends
• changing school or moving home
• worried about appearance
• sexuality
• health
• exams
• abuse

If you or a young person you know is experiencing depression, talking can help. There are several websites that you can investigate for help and assistance:

• Young Minds
• OTR North Somerset
• Childline