Bilingual online platform offers practical advice on online safety, healthy relationships and recognising signs of harm.
A NEW bilingual website has been launched to provide parents and carers across Wales with practical advice and support on keeping children and young people safe.
Safe & Sound Wales, developed by Welsh non-profit Our Voice Our Journey, has been funded through the Welsh Government’s Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) programme.
The online resource aims to help families better understand, prevent and respond to a range of issues affecting children and young people, including unhealthy relationships, online harms, sexual exploitation and emotional wellbeing.
The launch comes amid growing concerns among parents about the risks facing young people. Research by Plan International UK found that 80 per cent of parents worry their daughters will grow up feeling unsafe in public, while 40 per cent believe girls will experience those fears at a younger age than previous generations.
Meanwhile, research by the Information Commissioner’s Office found that three-quarters of parents fear their children are not making safe choices online.
The website has been co-designed with parents and carers from across Wales and offers practical guidance to help families recognise warning signs, have difficult conversations and access support when needed.
It also provides links to national and regional support services, helping families find appropriate advice quickly.
Alice, a parent from South Wales who helped shape the resource, said: “Safe & Sound Wales provides really clear, supportive, non-judgemental advice on a comprehensive list of things that are hugely impacting parents and carers and their children and young people.
“This site cuts through a lot of the politicised and polarised content that can be completely overwhelming and gets straight to the support and practical steps parents and carers can take. I know I’ll definitely be re-visiting the site again and again in the future.”
Anne-Marie Lawrence, Managing Director of Our Voice Our Journey, said the website had been created to help parents navigate some of the biggest challenges facing families.
She said: “Safe & Sound Wales has been created to support parents and carers in one of the most important roles they have – helping children and young people grow up safe, confident and free from harm.
“We know that many families face challenges, and it’s not always easy to know what to do or where to turn. This website brings together trusted information, practical advice and clear pathways to support, so that no parent feels alone in navigating these issues.
“By equipping families with knowledge and confidence, we can work together to prevent harm and build safer, healthier communities across Wales.”
The website takes a preventative approach, encouraging parents to build awareness before problems arise while also supporting those already dealing with concerns.
Topics covered include harmful attitudes and behaviours, family violence, online safety, relationships and dating, and supporting young people with complex needs.
Safe & Sound Wales is now available to parents and carers across Wales at www.safeandsound.wales.
