Teaching Kids Not Every Adult Is Safe

As parents and caregivers, ensuring a child’s safety is a top priority. One important conversation that often gets overlooked is teaching children that not every adult is safe—even familiar figures such as family members, school teachers, or family friends. As someone who provides self-defence training for women in London, I know how critical it is for both kids and adults to understand boundaries and trust their instincts when it comes to personal safety.

Helping children grasp that not all adults are trustworthy can be difficult. From a young age, kids are taught to respect adults, but it’s equally important they understand that respect doesn't mean blind trust. While most adults are there to support them, kids should be aware that some behaviours are not okay—even if it’s coming from someone they know.

In the self-defence classes I offer in London, particularly those focused on empowering women, we emphasise that safety is about identifying behaviours, not just judging people. Teaching kids that no adult should make them feel uncomfortable, invade their boundaries, or ask them to keep inappropriate secrets lays the groundwork for their future safety.

Just like women are taught in self-defence training to set clear boundaries, children should also learn that their personal space and feelings matter. They have the right to say no to things that make them uncomfortable, whether it’s a hug from a relative or spending time with someone they don’t trust. Setting these boundaries from an early age helps children become confident in their right to personal safety, a lesson that will serve them well as they grow.

Teach Kids That Trust Takes Time

Trust is something that should be earned over time. Teach kids that while most adults want to help them, they don’t have to trust someone right away, even if that person seems friendly. Explain that trust is something that grows as they get to know someone and that it’s okay to take their time to feel safe around people.

You can also encourage open conversations at home where kids can talk about their feelings and experiences with others. This builds a foundation of communication that can help them voice concerns if they ever feel uncomfortable.

Empowering Kids to Trust Themselves

At the core of both self-defence training for women and personal safety education for kids is trusting your own instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, children should feel empowered to speak up. Encourage open communication at home so that children feel comfortable talking about their concerns. This not only strengthens their understanding of personal boundaries but also helps them develop the confidence to protect themselves, just as self-defence training helps women gain the confidence to defend themselves in various situations.

By teaching kids that trust is built over time and that they have the right to set boundaries, we equip them with essential tools moving confidently in the world.