Keeping safe in childhood

Smoking

Time after quitting:

• after 20 minutes, blood pressure returns to normal
• after 8 hours, carbon monoxide levels in the blood drop by half
• after 3 days, breathing becomes easier
• after 2 months, circulation improves, and lung function increases by up to 30%
• after 1 year, the risk of a heart attack is cut in half
• after 5 years, the risk of stroke is the same as a non-smoker
• after 10 years, the risk of lung cancer is the same as a non-smoker
• after 15 years, the risk of a heart attack is the same as a non-smoker

Quitting smoking has immediate and long-term benefits for your health. It is never too late to stop.

Online safety

What do we go online for?

• Watching videos and listening to music, for example, YouTube.
• Online gaming, for example, PlayStation, Xbox Live.
• Social media, for example, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter).
• Messaging and sharing, for example, Messenger (photos, videos, messages).
• Homework and research, for example, Google and other search engines.
• Apps for games and entertainment.

The internet is a great tool, but it is important to stay safe online.

Benefits of being online

• Learn new things: Find information and improve your knowledge.
• Stay connected: Talk to friends and family, no matter where they are.
• Be creative: Make and share videos.
• Have fun: Play games, watch videos, and explore new interests.

Negatives of being online

• Sleep problems: The blue light from screens can make it harder to sleep.
• Online grooming: People are not always who they say they are, especially in gaming and on social media.
• Privacy risks: Strangers could see your personal information.
• Online bullying: People may send unkind or cruel messages.
• Difficult to undo: Once you post something online, it can be hard to remove.
• Time-consuming: The internet can be addictive and take up too much of your time.

Top tips for parents

• Talk regularly: Have open conversations about online safety. Little and often is best.
• Show interest: Ask what they enjoy doing online and discuss any concerns.
• Set ground rules together: Agree on what is appropriate and inappropriate behaviour.
• Build trust: Encourage your child to talk to you if something makes them uncomfortable.
• Be mindful of sharing: Avoid posting photos or details that could identify your child’s school or location.

By staying involved and having open discussions, you can help your child enjoy the internet safely.

Check privacy settings

• Check privacy settings: Use parental controls on networks, websites, and devices.
• Disable location sharing: Many apps have “geo-location” settings that share your child’s location. Make sure this is turned off.
• Teach them to log out: Remind your child to log out of computers and accounts when they are finished.

Look out for warning signs, how to report

If you are worried that your child is being groomed online or sexually exploited, you can report your concerns to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Safety Centre (opens in new window).

Drop in services are available at all secondary schools within North Lincolnshire.

Alternatively you can contact:

Sexual health

Are you ready?

Having sex is a big decision. You should feel comfortable and ready before engaging in any sexual activity. You should never feel pressured into doing something you are not ready for.

The only person who can decide if you are ready is you. It is important to think about:

• Contraception: Protecting against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
• Talking about sex: Feeling able to communicate openly with your partner.
• Feeling comfortable and supported: Being in a relationship where you feel respected.

There can be a lot of pressure to have sex, but this shouldn’t be a reason to start having sex, everyone is different and should only have sex when they want to and feel ready

To learn more, please see Childline sex and consent (opens in new window).

Consent

The Sexual Offences Act (2003) states that a person consents to sex only if they agree by choice and have the freedom and capacity to make that choice.

Some situations can affect a person’s ability to give consent, including:

• being asleep or unconscious
• being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• being threatened, pressured, or forced into agreeing

The age of consent

• The legal age of consent for any sexual activity in England is 16, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
• It is illegal for anyone to have sexual activity with a person under 16.
• Children under 13 cannot legally give consent under any circumstances.
• If someone over 18 is in a position of trust (for example, a teacher or social worker), it is illegal for them to have sexual activity with someone under 18.

Consent can be withdrawn

• Consent must be ongoing, a person can change their mind at any time.
• Sex is only ever okay if both people fully agree.
• If someone has not given consent, it is illegal and is called rape.

To learn more about consent, please watch tea and consent (opens in new window).

Plan your journey

If you use public transport, the Traveline journey planner provides information about what services and times are available.

Page last reviewed: March 11, 2025
Next review due: March 11, 2026