Healthy relationships

Forming and exploring relationships of all types is really important to children and young people as they grow up and Scouts plays a vital role in supporting them to do this safely.  

Childline has great advice for children and young people who need help with friendships and relationships.

Healthy relationships include:

• Good communication
• Mutual respect
• Trust
• Honesty
• Equality

Being in a close friendship or romantic relationship where there’s an age gap isn’t always a problem, but there are some things to think about. An age gap can mean there’s a difference in what children and young people can do and there can be an imbalance of power. This can lead to a child or young person being vulnerable and at risk of harm. 

It’s really important that volunteers discuss with parents or carers if children and young people are in close friendships or romantic relationships where there is a large age gap and report it to the Safeguarding Team.