Safe From Harm Week 2026
Safeguarding Culture in Scouting
Scouts Australia continues its journey to provide young people with the best possible experiences while ensuring their safety. Safe from Harm Week 2026 (11 – 17 May) marks another important chapter in our ongoing commitment to child protection. This year, we have expanded our efforts, incorporated new strategies, and ensured that all members – Scouts, Leaders, parents, and young people alike are equipped to navigate the challenges of keeping young people safe in an ever-changing world.
Empowering a Safer Future for All
The theme for Safe from Harm Week 2026 is “Safeguarding Culture in Scouting,” aiming to ensure that safeguarding is not only understood but actively embedded at every level of the Movement. This year, we are focusing on the increasing importance of safeguarding in the digital world, as well as raising awareness of mental health issues, to better protect young people in both online and offline environments.
Digital Safety
Following the social media restriction for young people under the age of 16 in 2025, Scouts members from all levels of the organisation have been proactively adapting to this change. We are using community groups and other communication tools to ensure that affected young people continue receiving the communications they need about Scouting while also ensuring the safety and protection of themselves and others.
For more details and updates about the social media age restrictions, visit: eSafety Commissioner.
Mental Health First Aid for Leaders and Youth
In addition to digital safety, mental health awareness became a central focus of Safe from Harm Week 2026. Our goal is to ensure that all Scouts, Leaders, and families are prepared to offer support to those who may be struggling with mental health issues.
Scouts Australia’s Diversity and Inclusion team has recognised and supported the needs of our Leaders and young people by offering Youth Mental Health First Aid Training provided by Mental Health First Aid Australia. This training enables adult members to recognise the early signs of mental health concerns and provide initial support for youth members.
The course will consist of 7 hours of online training with a Mental Health First Aid presenter (Katherine Canet, Scouts Victoria), followed by 7 hours of on-demand learning, and will be available in May 2026. We are also working to provide additional opportunities for both adult and youth members to participate in workshops similar to this in the future.
Youth-Led Initiatives: Giving Scouts a Voice
We strongly believe that young people should be at the forefront of shaping a safer future for their peers. Since 2023, Scouts Australia has launched the “Youth I-Statement” for all Scout sections and Leaders. Through the ‘I’ perspective, Scouts can assert their rights and express their feelings. These statements encourage transparent dialogue on matters of safety, consent, and digital behaviour, aiming to foster a positive and inclusive environment. More importantly, they empower our Scouts to be champions of their own safety and that of their peers.
Continued Commitment to Collaboration and Training
At Scouts Australia, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy against any form of abuse. To ensure that everyone in Scouting understands and adheres to these responsibilities, the mandatory code of conduct must be complete by all adults (aged 18 and over) to help stay informed about the expectations and best practices that support the well-being of all members in Scouting.
Looking Ahead
With Scouts and communities across Australia coming together, we are more committed than ever to ensuring the safety and well-being of all young people. Whether through digital safety training, mental health first aid, or youth i-statement, our movement is taking active steps to create a culture of safety, respect, and inclusion that will carry us into the future.
We thank every Leader, parent, volunteer, and young person who take part in keeping Scout members safe from harm. Together, we are not only raising awareness but actively taking steps toward building a safer and brighter future for all Scouts.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey toward a safer tomorrow for all.
For more information on child-safe practices, visit: Child Safe Scouting.