Children need to know that they are not alone when something feels confusing, worrying, or unsafe. One of the most important ways to support children is by helping them understand who their trusted adults are.
Trusted adults are the people children can turn to when they need help, guidance, or support. Teaching children about trusted adults for kids helps them understand that there are safe people in their lives who will listen and help protect them.
For children aged 5–10, learning about trusted adults can form part of building a safe support circle. This circle helps children recognise the people they can speak to if something feels wrong.
What Are Trusted Adults?
Trusted adults are people children can talk to when they feel worried, confused, uncomfortable, or unsafe.
Trusted adults are usually people who:
- listen carefully
- take children seriously
- help children feel safe
- try to solve problems calmly
Children should understand that trusted adults are there to support them and help them when they need it most.
Why Trusted Adults Are Important for Children
Children sometimes face situations that they do not fully understand. They may feel unsure about how to explain what has happened or how they feel.
When children know who their trusted adults are, they are more likely to:
- speak up when something feels wrong
- ask for help when they feel worried
- feel safer and more supported
- build confidence in talking about their feelings
Helping children identify trusted adults is an important step in keeping children safe.
Helping Children Identify Their Trusted Adults
Parents and teachers can help children think about the adults they trust in their lives.
Trusted adults might include:
- parents or caregivers
- teachers
- school staff
- grandparents or relatives
- another safe adult the child knows well
Children should be encouraged to identify several trusted adults, so they know they always have someone they can talk to.
Building a Child’s Safe Circle
A helpful way to explain trusted adults is through the idea of a safe circle.
A safe circle is the group of trusted adults a child can turn to when they need help or support.
Children can imagine their safe circle as the people who:
- listen to them
- care about their wellbeing
- help them when they feel worried or unsafe
Parents and teachers can help children draw or talk about their safe circle so they can clearly see who they can speak to.
You can learn more about this concept through the Safe Circle story here
Encouraging Children to Speak Up
Children should always know that it is okay to talk to a trusted adult if something feels wrong.
Adults can help reinforce this by reminding children that:
- they will not get into trouble for speaking up
- their feelings are important
- trusted adults are there to help them
These messages help children feel confident about asking for help when they need it.
Using Stories to Teach the Safe Circle Concept
Stories can be a powerful way to help children understand safeguarding ideas.
The Guy & Cesar books introduce important concepts such as trusted adults, safe circles, and speaking up in ways that children can easily understand.
Through stories and conversations, children learn that they are supported by adults who care about their safety and wellbeing.
These conversations help children understand that they always have someone they can turn to.
Practical Tips for Parents and Schools
Parents and teachers can support children by:
- having regular conversations about trusted adults
- helping children identify the people in their safe circle
- encouraging children to speak about their feelings
- reminding children they can always ask for help
Simple conversations about trusted adults help children build confidence and awareness.
Final Thoughts
Understanding trusted adults is an important part of helping children stay safe.
When children know who they can trust and talk to, they feel more confident about asking for help and sharing concerns.
By helping children build their safe circle and encouraging open conversations, parents and teachers can create an environment where children feel supported, protected, and heard.
You may also find these guides helpful:
How to Help Children Understand Trusted Adults (Ages 5–10)
What to Do When a Child Says Something Feels Wrong (Ages 5–10)
You can explore our safeguarding storybooks here
Professionals and parents can also access structured safeguarding resources here
You can explore our Toolkits here
