1.1 Explain the importance of providing accurate and up-to-date information and advice to children and young people

This. guide will help you answer 1.1 Explain the importance of providing accurate and up-to-date information and advice to children and young people.

Providing accurate and current information to children and young people is a core responsibility in the Children and Young People’s Workforce. The advice and facts shared with them can influence their decisions, shape their outlook, and affect their wellbeing. Young people often look to adults for guidance, especially in areas where they have limited life experience. The trust between the worker and the young person depends heavily on the reliability of the information provided.

If the information is outdated or incorrect, the consequences can be harmful. This could affect their safety, education choices, health decisions, and emotional wellbeing. To give the best support, the worker needs to check that what they share is correct and reflective of current guidelines, policies, and facts.

Accurate advice helps young people build confidence in the adults supporting them. It reinforces trust and respect, which are the foundations of positive working relationships.

Impact on Decision-Making

Children and young people are often developing their decision-making skills. At this stage, their understanding may be limited. Providing accurate and updated information enables them to make choices based on facts, not misinformation.

If someone gives incomplete or incorrect advice, the young person might make decisions that put them at risk. For example:

• Choosing unsafe behaviour based on myths or false claims
• Missing opportunities in education because of outdated information about course requirements
• Misunderstanding their rights or responsibilities

Correct and current facts give them the tools to weigh up options properly. It helps them think critically and plan actions.

Supporting Health and Wellbeing

Health-related information is one area where accuracy is especially important. Whether the topic is physical health, mental health, nutrition, or sexual health, up-to-date knowledge can make a life-changing difference.

A worker may be asked about available health services, how to access mental health support, or the risks linked to certain behaviours. Giving outdated contact details or relying on old guidance may mean the young person cannot access the help they need.

Examples include:

• Explaining current vaccination schedules
• Giving the latest dietary advice
• Sharing mental health service contact information
• Advising on safe relationships based on legal age of consent and current legislation

Accurate health advice prevents misinformation from spreading and supports young people in protecting themselves.

Building Trust and Credibility

Trust grows when information is reliable. A young person is more likely to turn to a worker for support if they know the facts and advice given are correct. Workers who share accurate information show they are organised, professional, and committed to helping.

If a worker repeats inaccurate information, it can cause doubts and lead to a breakdown in communication. Once trust is lost, it can be difficult to rebuild. This can reduce the young person’s willingness to seek help or disclose problems in the future.

Consistency in advice builds a reliable reputation. It shows the young person that you value them enough to check facts before speaking.

Safeguarding and Safety

Safeguarding means protecting children and young people from harm. Information plays a big part in this. Workers need to give advice that prevents risks. For example, online safety guidance must reflect current threats and scams.

Out-of-date advice may leave a young person vulnerable. Threats online change quickly, so guidance about privacy settings, reporting abuse, and safe communication must be reviewed regularly.

Accurate safeguarding information can include:

• How to report concerns about abuse
• Details of support organisations and helplines
• Correct procedures for dealing with bullying
• Updated guidance on cyber safety

Safety messages only work when they match the real risks and resources available.

Supporting Personal Development

Accurate and current information helps children and young people grow in skills, knowledge, and maturity. This supports their development in areas such as education, work readiness, and relationships.

In education, outdated course entry requirements might cause a young person to miss out on a place. Current advice about career pathways helps them set realistic and achievable goals.

Examples:

• Correct apprenticeship eligibility criteria
• Updated qualifications needed for careers
• Latest extracurricular opportunities in the local area

Giving factual information means the young person can plan effectively and take steps toward their aims.

Reducing Anxiety and Confusion

Uncertain or incorrect advice can cause worry. When a young person gets conflicting information from different sources, they may not know what to believe. This confusion can lead to stress and poor decision-making.

By giving accurate and up-to-date advice, the worker can explain things clearly and remove unnecessary doubts. This sense of clarity helps them feel more secure and confident in their next steps.

For example:

• Explaining the correct deadline for a university application reduces panic
• Giving accurate rules on school attendance avoids unnecessary fear of penalties
• Providing the latest guidance on public transport passes makes planning easier

Clear facts give the young person a stronger sense of control over their situation.

Promoting Equal Opportunities

Accurate and current information can help prevent discrimination and promote equal rights. This includes advice on issues such as educational support, disability rights, and financial help.

If a worker is aware of support options, they can inform the young person about opportunities they might not otherwise know about. Wrong or outdated details could mean the young person misses help they are entitled to.

Examples include:

• Latest grants and bursaries available for low-income families
• Updated accessibility services in education or training
• Correct equality laws protecting them from discrimination

Equality in access starts with accurate information reaching every young person, regardless of their background.

Legal Responsibilities

Workers have legal responsibilities to provide correct and lawful information. Giving outdated or incorrect legal advice can cause harm and expose the organisation to legal action.

Relevant laws include:

• Data Protection Act 2018
• Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

For example, if a worker gives wrong information about the legal age for certain activities, it might lead the young person to break the law without realising it. Keeping up to date with changes in legislation is part of professional practice.

How to Keep Information Accurate and Current

Practical steps help workers maintain correct advice:

• Regularly check trusted sources such as government websites
• Attend training sessions and updates from recognised bodies
• Network with other professionals to share updates
• Record changes in local services, such as venue closures or new contact details
• Use reputable publications and avoid unverified online sources

Using a system to record and review information ensures that advice remains relevant.

Avoiding Misinformation from Social Media

Many children and young people use social media for news and advice. These platforms can present incorrect or misleading information. Workers need to help them check facts and identify credible sources.

Guidance can include:

• Comparing claims with official websites
• Watching out for fake accounts
• Understanding advertising and influencer promotions
• Avoiding clickbait headlines

Helping young people develop fact-checking habits builds their independence and reduces their risk of acting on false claims.

Adapting Information to Age and Understanding

Even when facts are correct, they must be explained in a way the young person can understand. This means considering their age, level of maturity, and personal circumstances.

For younger children, complex details may need simpler language and visuals. Teenagers may want more detailed explanations, including the reasons behind advice.

Examples:

• Using diagrams or pictures to explain health guidance for children
• Giving case studies or examples to older teenagers
• Checking understanding by asking them to repeat key facts

Making sure they grasp the message is just as important as accuracy.

Encouraging Questions

Young people may not always know what information they need. Encouraging them to ask questions helps workers identify gaps in knowledge. When they ask about topics, it gives the opportunity to give clear and updated answers.

Creating a safe environment for questions means:

• Listening without judgement
• Avoiding complex jargon
• Keeping responses fact-based
• Checking whether they need more detail or written resources

Answering openly builds confidence and reassurance.

Final Thoughts

Providing accurate and up-to-date information to children and young people is central to effective practice in the workforce. It supports their safety, health, confidence, and decision-making. Every interaction is an opportunity to share facts that guide them toward positive outcomes.

It requires effort to keep knowledge current but this work shows respect and care for the young person. It strengthens trust, protects them from harm, and empowers them to make informed choices. Accurate advice shapes their future in small and big ways, making it one of the most important responsibilities you hold in your role.