How do we prepare young people to navigate an uncertain world while fulfilling our responsibility to keep them safe?

Meaningful engagement with risk plays an important role in developing judgement, independence and personal responsibility. Yet opportunities to experience uncertainty, make decisions and learn from consequences can be limited by well-intentioned approaches to safety and risk management.

In this workshop, Rob Carmichael and Stuart Slay will explore the educational case for risk literacy, drawing on research into child development, experiential learning and risk management. Together, we will examine how educators can create purposeful, age-appropriate opportunities for young people to engage with risk while maintaining clear boundaries and appropriate safeguards.

Through facilitated discussion, participants will consider how to advocate for risk literacy within their organisations, engage school leaders and parent communities, and build confidence in research-informed approaches to managing risk.

The session aims to equip educators with a stronger understanding of why risk literacy matters, alongside practical approaches and a shared language for helping young people develop the capabilities needed to navigate an uncertain world.