Protective Behaviours
Helping C&YP feel safe, stay safe... physically, socially, emotionally, psychologically
There is an inextricable link between safety, belonging and learning. At the heart of a Whole School, trauma informed, Approach to wellbeing is ‘safety’ and creating a physical and emotional safe space for all, where connection and relationships can flourish, and all children and young people feel they belong.
Protective Behaviours:
- helps develop emotional literacy, enabling us to ‘name and tame’ feelings
- develops self-confidence
- builds practical skills and strategies
- helps individuals to ‘thrive and survive’ in an adventurous, rather than a ‘risk averse’, approach, to life
- contributes to a PSHE curriculum
- supports work on Child Exploitation Awareness and digital resilience
- provides a focus on children’s rights
About Protective Behaviours
Protective behaviours came about from the work of social worker Peg West in 70's who realised that most of the issues raised by students in the school where she worked were linked to safety / feeling safe in some way. It has been widely used in CSE and personal safety work ever since.
Protective Behaviours is a practical down to earth approach to personal safety that puts a clear understanding of what is safe / unsafe and help seeking behaviour at the heart of work with C&YP.
It is a process that encourages self-empowerment and brings with it the skills to raise self-esteem and to help avoid being victimised. This is achieved by helping individuals to recognise and trust their intuitive feelings (Early Warning Signs) and to develop strategies for self-protection. The Protective Behaviours process encourages an adventurous approach to life that satisfies the need for fun and excitement without violence and fear.
PBs and a Whole School Approach
We see Protective Behaviours as another great way to support C&YP's emotional wellbeing and resilience as part of a whole school approach.
PBs and Child Exploitation Awareness
We have recently been involved in the #CETheSigns campaign in Cornwall and it was this work that prompted us to revisit a long standing interest in PBs.
We were approached by a young person who has experienced bullying and grooming online who wanted to share their experience and a deliver clear, positive message to other young people to help them stay safe. We helped her create a short animated film and are currently working on a resource for schools.
We believe that all C&YP can benefit from Protective Behaviours as a way to help support and develop resilience and wellbeing online and beyond. This is a fab 3 minute introduction by Sally Ann Hart a brilliant PBs trainer.
Protective Behaviours - What's that?
A short guide to PBs - download PDF
Download a flier about the 2 Day Foundation PBs Training in Cornwall
Page last updated: 2 March 2023
