Safeguarding and Wellbeing in Music Education
26th February 2026
The Musicians’ Union (MU) recently released its ‘Experience of Harm and Risk in Music Guide’, a vital resource for safeguarding and wellbeing in music education. This comprehensive guide explores the challenges and potential risks that can arise within music education and the wider music sector. It offers clear, practical advice on recognising, responding to, and preventing harm, equipping organisations, educators, and individuals with the knowledge needed to foster safe and supportive learning environments across the sector.
The guide provides a detailed overview of the different forms harm and risk can take within music education and the wider music sector—from bullying and harassment to safeguarding concerns and unsafe working practices. It offers practical guidance on recognising early warning signs, understanding the responsibilities of individuals and organisations, and taking effective action to prevent harm. Real-life case studies illustrate the complexities of these issues, while checklists and resources provide concrete steps to improve safeguarding policies for music teachers, student wellbeing in music classes, and day-to-day music education practices.
As our sector strives to be more inclusive and supportive, there is an increasing recognition of the need for robust safeguarding and a proactive approach to wellbeing, especially in music education settings. The guide not only responds to recent high-profile reports highlighting harm in music settings but also reflects the collective ambition to create safe learning environments and support mental health in music education. By engaging with this guide, members can reflect on their current practices, strengthen their safeguarding procedures, and contribute to a culture where music remains a positive and enriching experience for all.
At Music Mark, we believe that safeguarding and wellbeing in music education are fundamental to our shared mission. By engaging with this guide, members can reflect on their current safeguarding policies for music teachers, promote student wellbeing in music classes, and contribute to a culture where music remains a positive and enriching experience for everyone involved. We encourage all Music Mark members to download and read the guide, discuss it with colleagues, and consider how its recommendations can be put into practice in your own context.
Download ‘Experiences of Harm and Risk in Music Guide’
The topics in this guide can be explored further in Youth Music Exchange’s ‘An Introduction to Safeguarding’. Book your space for this course on our events page.
