This report examines responses from 908 South Australians aged 12–19 years who participated in the Teenagers and Safety survey conducted by South Australia's Commissioner for Children and Young People from May to June 2024. 

The findings provide a rare insight into teenagers’ understanding of what feeling safe means to them and where and why they feel safe. It also provides insight into where and when they do not feel safe and sheds light on the reasons why. In particular, the report explores the issue of personal safety from teenagers themselves, enabling their views and experiences to inform decision makers on how to keep them safe. Any effective response must include a deeper understanding of what safety means to teenagers and how they currently experience safety at home, school and in the community. 

The report calls for systemic changes that will address the underlying social drivers that relate to children and young people’s experiences of feeling unsafe. 

Key findings

• Teenagers have different understandings of safety and what it means to feel safe.
• Demographics contribute to different experiences of safety and the likelihood of when or why a teenager may feel unsafe.
• Safety is experienced differently in different settings. 
• There are some common experiences around when teenagers feel safe, when they don’t feel safe, and what they need adults to do to improve their feelings of safety.

Key recommendations 

1. Develop a comprehensive overarching legislative framework for children’s safety. 
2. State and local governments to work together to create more youth friendly communities. 
3. Create safer school environments for students. 
4. Work with external partners on evidence-based violence prevention programs. 
5. Work with school-based student bodies to conduct diversity reviews.