Safe from Harm Week 2026 takes place from 11–17 May, bringing Scouts from around the world together to promote safe, supportive, and inclusive Scouting environments.
Safe from Harm is at the heart of Scouting. It means making sure every child, young person, and adult feels safe, respected, and valued in all aspects of Scout life. This global week is an opportunity for Scout groups to come together, share good practice, start important conversations, and strengthen our culture of safeguarding across the Movement.
This year’s theme, “Safeguarding Culture in Scouting”, focuses on how we all contribute to safer spaces through our everyday actions, behaviours, and attitudes. By empowering young people and supporting volunteers with the right skills and awareness, we can help build a stronger and safer Scouting community for everyone.
Scout groups and sections are encouraged to take part through meetings, camps, activities, and discussions throughout the week and beyond.
Resources
– Activity Guide – A range of safeguarding activities for Scout groups to run during the week or anytime in the year.
Find it here.
– Scouting Ireland’s Safe from Harm Youth Programme – aims to provide an engaging, youth-centred and age-appropriate range of activities to help develop youth members’ understanding of harm. There are seven themes in the Safe from Harm programme – “We Promise”, “Think Scout”, “Safe Scout”, “I Care, We Care”, “Trails and Ways”, “Scout Signals” and “Friendship Knot”. Find it here.
– WOSM’S Safe from Harm Framework for Youth Programme – Practical workshops and activities exploring safeguarding topics relevant to young people in Scouting and everyday life.
Daily themes
Monday, 11 May – Welcome to Safe from Harm Week!
We kick off the week by encouraging Scout groups to run activities that help young people and adults understand how we create safer environments in Scouting.
More details can be found here.
Tuesday, 12 May – Keeping everyone in Scouting safe
We explore what harm can look like and how to recognise when something doesn’t feel right. This day focuses on building confidence to speak up and report concerns so everyone stays safe. Check out the Youth and Adults: Scouting together safely toolkit.
Wednesday, 13 May – Wellbeing Wednesday
We focus on everyday wellbeing — healthy coping strategies, looking after ourselves, and supporting others when things feel difficult.
Resources include:
– Safe from Harm – Mental Builders
– The Wellness of a Scout Leader
Thursday, 14 May – Creating Safe Spaces for Youth Dialogue
How do we create spaces where young people feel heard and respected? Today we explore safe dialogue and positive communication, even when conversations are challenging.
Learn more about the 10 Principles of Dialogue
Friday, 15 May – Preventing Cyberbullying & Digital Harm
We look at staying safe online, understanding cyberbullying, and how Scouts can recognise and respond to harmful behaviour in digital spaces.
Explore the Safe from Harm Online Safety Toolkit
Saturday, 16 May – Safe spaces for peaceful coexistence
We explore how Scouting can build peace and inclusion in communities by embracing diversity and challenging hate and misinformation.
A global webinar will take place at 12:00 UTC, exploring safeguarding, human rights, and peacebuilding.
Register here!
Sunday, 17 May – Closing Reflection
The week concludes with an online safeguarding campfire for national safeguarding leaders and coordinators, sharing best practice and reflecting on how we continue building a safer Scouting environment for all.