Safe and unsafe secrets — Wellbeing, 7–10 years
Knowing the difference helps a child protect themselves and tell a trusted adult. Wellbeing, 7–10 years.
A secret you can keep
A safe secret is usually a short surprise that will soon be shared, such as a birthday present. An unsafe secret makes you feel worried, frightened, pressured, or responsible for keeping someone else from getting help.
Why secrets need a limit
People sometimes ask children to keep secrets to hide harm, unsafe behaviour, or a problem that needs an adult. Children may stay quiet because they want to be loyal or fear getting someone in trouble; safety matters more than the promise.
What to do with a worrying secret
A neighbour says, “Don’t tell anyone I broke this,” and Leo feels worried. First, he remembers that a worrying secret can be told. Next, he tells a trusted adult exactly what was said and keeps telling trusted adults until someone helps.
The loyalty trap
A child may think telling breaks trust or causes trouble for a friend. That is a reasonable worry: promises usually matter. But no promise can make a child responsible for danger, harm, or keeping needed help away.
Where it helps
This idea helps with secrets about unsafe touching, threats, bullying, frightening online messages, damaged property, or someone being hurt. A child can choose a trusted adult such as a caregiver, teacher, school counsellor, or emergency helper.
Keep exploring
Other languages
Loading MyLeoNes™…