It is the responsibility of all bellringers to ensure that the welfare of young people in their care is taken seriously. The following guidelines are designed to assist bellringers working with children in any decisions and actions that are taken regarding the care of children. A child should be anyone up to the age of 16 or even 18 depending on the level of understanding of the young person.

A Safe Environment

1. It is possible to be lulled into a false sense of security by thinking that church workers will never be guilty of abuse because they are part of the Christian community. For this reason these guidelines must apply to all those in close contact with young people.

2. This is not the same as treating each person as being under suspicion but a matter of sensible measures that are then observed by everyone. At the same time, it offers some safeguard to those working with children from unfounded accusations of behaving in ways that may be well intentioned but unwise.

3. Bellringers are advised to plan their work with children and young people so as to minimise opportunities for abuse (or being wrongly accused of such).

4. Among situation to be avoided are the following:

• Giving lifts in cars without another adult being present
• Dark unsupervised paths through churchyards (for example)
• Leaving a single child alone with an older person in the tower

5. When teaching a young person to ring, always ensure there is a third person present.

6. When teaching a young person to handle a bell rope, it may be necessary to touch them, especially if the learner is having difficulty handling the rope. This contact should be kept to a minimum and the child should previously have been made aware that this contact is appropriate for reasons of their own safety. However, everyone working with children should be sensitive to what is appropriate and inappropriate physical contact, both in general terms and in relation to a specific individual. Bell ringers need to be conscious of situations in which their actions, however well intended, could be misconstrued by others as harmful.

7. If you suspect that a young person has been abused, it is your responsibility to speak to the incumbent and tell them about your concern.

8. Ask your Church Authorities (e.g. P.C.C.) if they have issued their own guidelines.

It is recommended that you obtain a copy of "Child Protection in the Church. A Parish Guide." which offers further advice on the welfare of young people.