Safe From Harm Week 2025
Scouts Australia Leads the Way in Building a
Safe from Harm Culture
Safe from Harm Week (13–18 May), is a global event hosted by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), is a global event dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring action to create safer environments for all members of Scouting.
This year’s theme “Building a Safe from Harm Culture” focuses on creating inclusive, respectful, and safe spaces for everyone. Through promoting safety, reporting concerns and engage in ongoing learning and reflection on how to create and maintain a safe and supportive environment for all members in Scouting.
What Does a Safe Environment Mean in Scouting?
A safe environment goes beyond just preventing physical injury. It means:
- Feeling emotionally supported
- Being treated with respect
- Having the confidence to speak up
- Knowing that your voice matters
In 2023, Scouts Australia introduced a set of Youth I-Statements, reinforcing its strong commitment to child safety. These statements help youth members from all sections (Joey Scouts to Rover Scouts) to express themselves and assert their rights using the “I” perspective.
These tools:
- Encourage open dialogue around safety, consent, and digital behaviour
- Promote a culture of mutual respect and understanding
- Empower young people to become champions of their own safety and that of their peers
Everyone has a role to play
Creating a culture that’s safe from harm is everyone’s responsibility, from youth members, Leaders, adult helpers and parents. A truly safe Scouting environment is one where everyone, regardless of background, feels welcome and included.
Scouts Australia continues to implement important changes. In 2024, the mandatory Child Safe Scouting on demand learning modules now requires renewal every two years instead of three, aligning with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
Earlier this year, the updated Scouts Australia Code of Conduct was released which provides clear expectations and is a binding commitment for all adult members (aged 18 or over). This 10-minute module ensures adults are educated on the standards that support youth safety and wellbeing.
All current members are asked to complete this module by World Scout Day (August 1, 2025). New members must complete it within three months of joining.
Get involved this Safe from Harm Week
This year, we invite every Scout Group to join in by hosting open discussions, interactive workshops, and community-focused activities which promotes a safe, inclusive and welcoming culture.
Here are some meaningful actions your Group can take:
- Set up a support contact list for your Group
- Ensure all adults have complete the Code of Conduct Module
- Ensure all adults are uptodate with the Child Safe Scouting on demand module
- Practice active listening in Patrols and Units
- Remind everyone to speak up or write down concerns so they can be addressed
Together, we can make Safe from Harm Week 2025 a powerful and lasting step toward a safer, more inclusive Scouting experience for all.
