Safeguarding explainer animation for young people

About the project

Tricky Friends is a safeguarding explainer animation created to raise awareness about exploitation, grooming, and unhealthy friendships among vulnerable people.

The term ‘Tricky Friends’ refers to individuals who take advantage of loneliness or isolation for personal gain – through money, accommodation, drugs, or other forms of exploitation – a serious issue affecting many across the UK.

The original Tricky Friends animation, commissioned by the Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board, was developed to help adults with care and support needs recognise positive friendships and identify harmful relationships. The animation also encouraged open conversations between families, carers, professionals, and the people they support – a key safeguarding tool in adult social care.

Following the success of the first campaign, Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board and Norfolk Safeguarding Children’s Partnership commissioned CC Animation Studio to produce a new youth-focused version of the explainer animation.

The brief

The goal was to adapt the core safeguarding message for a younger audience while maintaining a positive, engaging, and relatable tone.

The youth version continues to champion the idea of safe and positive friendships, while encouraging young people to speak up if someone’s behaviour makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Making the content age-appropriate

• The script was refined to include relatable examples and language relevant to children and teens.

• References to parents, teachers, and youth workers were added to encourage trusted communication.

• New characters and artwork were developed to better reflect the diversity, experiences and emotions of young audiences.

The animation style remains bright and expressive, conveying complex emotions with sensitivity while maintaining credibility and respect for the subject matter.

Who is it for?

At just three minutes long, this safeguarding animation is designed for flexible use across multiple settings:

• Schools and colleges (PSHE, safeguarding, or pastoral care sessions)

• Youth groups and community organisations

• Foster carers, parents, and families

• Health and social care professionals.

It’s an accessible way to start conversations about friendship, trust, and exploitation prevention, helping protect both young people and vulnerable adults.

Commission your own version

Over 40 organisations have already commissioned their own versions of Tricky Friends, including local authorities, safeguarding boards, and charities.

We offer:

• Rebadged versions featuring your organisation’s logo and safeguarding contact details

• Translations and BSL-signed versions for accessibility and inclusivity

If your organisation is interested in a rebadged version of any of the Tricky Friends animations or is looking to commission a safeguarding animation, explainer video or educational film to support your awareness campaigns in health and social care, get in touch today.