Adolescent safeguarding: a review of the literature

Adolescence marks a phase of biological, social, emotional and cognitive development. It is a critical period of transformation and vulnerability when young people are exposed to some of the highest safeguarding risks. The aim of this literature review was to explore the qualitative research undertaken on adolescent safeguarding in the UK to identify key themes and areas of development. A comprehensive literature review was undertaken to investigate evidence published in the past ten years. The review concludes that a public health approach to the adolescent life course should be adopted and a better understanding of risk and vulnerability is needed to safeguard young people in the wider social context. In addition, further research into practitioners’ and young people’s experiences of safeguarding is required.