Child and Youth Safety

a scout walking with a leader that is wearing a safe from harm vest

As a Movement dedicated to the growth and development of young people, World Scouting prioritises the safety and well-being of children and young people at all times. We support National Scout Organizations in strengthening child and youth protection policies, and promoting safeguarding at the local level by training adult leaders and young people.

In 2021, the World Scout Conference voted to change the WOSM constitution making it a requirement for Member Organizations to implement policies and procedures that ensure a safe environment for children, young people, and adults in Scouting. The Conference also reaffirmed its commitment to continue to strengthen the implementation of the World Safe from Harm Policy at all levels of Scouting.

Remember, everyone can play a role in making Scouting safer! Learn more about how World Scouting, Member Organizations, and Scouts and implementing Safe From Harm and take a free e-learning training course below.

A Scout Leader adjusts her Safe From Harm badge

World Safe from Harm Policy

The World Safe from Harm Policy guides National Scout Organizations in meeting international child and youth safeguarding standards. Together, we are building and maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for young people and volunteers across the Scout Movement.

3 Scouts sit and discuss Safe From Harm at the World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia

This course allows anyone in the Movement to support the implementation of child, youth & adult protection policies to promote a safe environment that prevents harm and abuse for all.

Take the course

3 Scout Leaders walk away from the camera towards a group of Scouts, wearing Safety Vests

To deepen their understanding of Safe From Harm policies and practices, World Scouting volunteers and staff must also take this advanced course.

Take the course

A Scout sits with a group looking at her phone

This short course helps young people understand how to be safe online by identifying and preventing dangerous situations, and acting responsibly when they come across them.

Take the course

Three Scouts walk away from the camera wearing yellow vests that say "SAFETY" on them

World Scout Bureau

Assessment Tool for National Scout Organizations

Use WOSM’s Safe from Harm Assessment Tool to reflect on your National Scout Organization's practices, processes, policies, and procedures to offer safer Scouting for everyone. This tool allows you to assess the organization’s level of compliance against international standards in Safe from Harm and the Movement’s membership requirements.

To learn more, check the Safe from Harm Guidelines.

Access now

Two Scouts work together on a flipchart paper

World Scout Bureau

Self-Assessment and WOSM Assessment

Get an overall Safe from Harm check by evaluating your organisation against 22 criteria to identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. National Scout Organizations can also request a WOSM Assessment, whether in-person or virtual, with support from a WOSM assessor and a Safe from Harm expert.

Request assessment