‘ Safe space’ guidance issued by Swinney to protect young people
The first ever national guida n c e t h a t i n c l u d e s “s a f e spaces” for young people to learn about consensual and healthy relationships has been published by the Scottish Government.
The resource, called Key Messages for Young People on Healthy Relationships and Consent, means that whenever a young person seeks advice, from a teacher, health professional or youth worker they should receive consistent age- appropriate information.
A range of issues are covered in the guidance including healthy relationships, the law concerning sexual activity, respect consent and the use of intimate images.
Aimed at young people of secondar y school age and above, professionals will seek to use their expert judgment to determine age and stageappropriate messages when speaking to young people.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Ever yone is entitled to a healthy, happy relationship built on respect and this guidance will ensure all of our young people are given consistent advice to make informed choices.
“Getting i t r i ght f or eve - ry child means being able to have open and candid conversations about the issues affecting young people’s lives and that must include a safe space to learn about consensual and healthy relationships.”
The guidance notes t hat children and young people are “increasingly” conducting friendships and relationships online. It considers factors they have to manage in their daily lives and relationships that now include selfpresentation on social media, the sharing of intimate images and the potential for online bullying and grooming.
Kathr yn Dawson, s exual violence prevention coordinator at Rape Crisis Scotland said: “We’re really pleased these key messages have been developed t o support professionals around the country working with young people on these vitally important issues. Young people are ready to talk and it’s so important to provide safe spaces for them to learn about consensual and healthy relationships – both in terms of their right to be safe, and t heir responsibilit y to respect others in intimate and sexual relationships.”
Scottish Labour education spokesman Iain Gray said: “This is welcome guidance t hat will ensure all young people get equal access to the same age appropriate information about healthy and safe relationships. John Swinney must now ensure our teachers have the necessary resources and support to deliver these reforms.”