The importance of safe environments for children and youth
The Four Building Blocks of HOPE are key types of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) that all children need to thrive. The Building Block of safe, stable, and nurturing environments can help create spaces where the other three Building Blocks can also be practiced.
Examples of the Building Block of environments include feeling safe at school, in the home, and in local community spaces. When schools feel like a safe place to learn, children and youth can have an easier time engaging in their schoolwork and feel more comfortable engaging in after-school activities like clubs or sports. A safe environment can also help children and youth feel safe in other aspects of their lives.
Barriers to the Building Block of environment come from issues on both the individual and policy level. For example, child abuse occurs on an individual issue that deeply affects how a child or youth feels safe in a given environment. Likewise, communities at risk for widespread dangers like gun violence and air pollution can have the same effect on a larger scale. These barriers can make it harder for children and youth to engage in new experiences, feel close to friends, and grow emotionally.
Environments that promote PCEs
To promote better access to PCEs, we need to find and create safe environments that help children and youth grow into healthy adults.
At home
Home can differ person to person. It could mean the traditional space where a child or youth lives with a parent or caregiver. It could be their best friend’s house, a local library, or any place that feels safe, comforting, and stable. Learn more about where the child feels safest to call it home.
Questions to ask
- Where is your favorite place to be or visit?
- What do you like about your home?
At school
Children and youth spend a lot of time in school. There are many spaces within the school campus where children and youth can feel safe, seen, and have fun. All students engage in the classroom environment. It can help to think about how the physical space promotes a sense of safety and belonging, and how emotional safety is encouraged as well. After-school activities, whether a club that meets once a month or a sports team that practices all week and, on the weekends, can be great physical and emotionally safe spaces at school. Where are students practicing and is there a safe way for them to get home?
Questions to consider
- What is your favorite part of being in school?
- Is there a place in school where you feel like you can be yourself?
In the community
Safe and supported community spaces are key for children and youth to grow into thriving, healthy adults. Feeling safe in our communities allows children and youth to engage with neighbors, build independence by walking to school on their own or riding bikes with friends around town, or working at a local store as their first job. Investing in the community shows children and youth that they are worthy of a safe, clean, and stable environment, giving them opportunities to grow and flourish in their youth and into adulthood.
Questions to consider
- Where is your favorite place to go in your community?
- What do you like to do for fun in your neighborhood or community?
Investing in safe environments increases access to PCEs for all children
When we prioritize safety at home, in school, and in the community, children and youth have opportunities to experience PCEs from the Building Block of environment and beyond. Safe, stable, and nurturing environments help children and youth feel safe to discover their interests, flourish as their authentic selves, and learn they are worthy of safety, love, and investment.
