Keeping children safe

Friday 19 March 2010
University of Dundee
Dalhousie Building (2-G11) Hawkhill Dundee.
1.00-3.00 pm. Entry Free! (contact N.M.Barton@dundee.ac.uk to reserve your place)

Keeping children safe from harm has been a concern for adults in society for centuries. However, today ‘child safety’ impacts on the world of adults and children in a way never seen before. With the emergence of what has been called ‘paranoid parenting’, and a ‘culture of litigation’, child safety has become an increasing concern and organising principle for how adults and institutions relate to young people. But why has this developed and what are the negative effects on the lives of children?

Do we need to vet all the adults that work with young people? Do we need more bullying intervention at schools to protect young people from one another? Or has the ‘safety industry’ gone too far?

This afternoon seminar will highlight the contradictions, distortions and mythology relating to the protection of young people. It will be of interest to all those who work with young people in formal and in non-formal settings.
Seminar Speakers and Panel:
• Dr Stuart Waiton…University of Abertay (Panel Chair)
• Josie Appleton…‘The Problem with Vetting’…Josie Appleton is the convenor of the Manifesto Club and heads the Campaign Against Vetting.
• Simon Knight…‘The Paranoia about Bullying’…Simon Knight is a youth and community worker and director of Generation Youth Issues.