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Working Around Youth and Schools: Guard Course 2026

This course is for security workers at schools, malls, community centres and events where young people gather. It covers youth justice law, privacy, screening, professional boundaries, communication with youth, and the duty to report child abuse in Canada.

  • Security course
  • Canada
  • 25 questions
  • Checked October 11, 2026

Quick answer

This free course has about 25 minutes of lessons and a 25-question test. Score 80% or more to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.

Start with the lessonsWorking Around Youth and Schools: Lessons: about 25 minutes of reading. Every test question is covered in the lessons.

What you will learn

  • Explain how the Youth Criminal Justice Act treats young people
  • Protect the privacy of youth involved in incidents
  • Keep professional boundaries with students
  • Communicate calmly and respectfully with young people
  • Report suspected child abuse to the right agency in your province

Score 80% or more to download your certificate.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, a "young person" is someone of what age?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 12 to 17

    The Act defines a young person as at least 12 but under 18 years old.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    Can a child under 12 be convicted of a criminal offence in Canada?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. No, the Criminal Code says no one can be convicted for acts done while under 12

    Section 13 of the Criminal Code says no person can be convicted of an offence for an act done while under twelve.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    Why does the youth justice system work separately from the adult system?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Because young people are seen as less morally blameworthy and the focus is on rehabilitation

    The Act's principles stress diminished moral blameworthiness, rehabilitation and fair, quick consequences.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    A guard films a youth being arrested and wants to post it online with the youth's name. What does the Youth Criminal Justice Act say?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Information that identifies a young person dealt with under the Act must not be published

    Section 110 bans publishing the name or other information that would identify a young person dealt with under the Act. Never post incident footage of youth.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    What does the youth justice law say about parents?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Parents should be informed and encouraged to support their children

    The Act's declaration of principle says parents should be informed of measures and encouraged to support their children.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    What is a vulnerable sector check?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A police check that also looks for record suspensions for sexual offences, for roles of trust or authority over children or vulnerable persons

    It combines a police information check with a search for pardoned sexual offences. It was created in 2000 to protect children and vulnerable people.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    Who decides whether a job needs a vulnerable sector check?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. The hiring company or volunteer organization, based on the role

    The organization decides if a position involves trust or authority over children or vulnerable persons. The applicant consents to the check.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    In Alberta, who has a legal duty to report a child they believe is at risk of abuse or neglect?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Any person

    Alberta's Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act requires anyone who believes a child is at risk to report it.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    In Alberta, what number can you call 24/7 to report a child at risk if there is no immediate danger?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The Child Intervention Provincial Intake Line, 1-800-638-0715

    Alberta's Child Intervention Provincial Intake Line is 1-800-638-0715, 24/7. Call 911 if a child is in immediate danger.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    In B.C., up to what age does the duty to report child abuse or neglect apply?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Under 19

    In B.C., everyone must report concerns about children and youth under 19.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    In B.C., where do you report a child or youth who may need protection, when there is no immediate danger?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The Ministry of Children and Family Development line, 1-800-663-9122

    B.C.'s Provincial Centralized Screening line, 1-800-663-9122, is open day and night. Call 911 for immediate danger.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    In Ontario, for which age group is reporting a suspected child in need of protection mandatory?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Children under 16

    In Ontario, reporting is mandatory for children under 16. You may still contact a Children's Aid Society about 16- and 17-year-olds.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    In Ontario, where do you report a concern that a child may need protection?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A Children's Aid Society

    Reports go directly to a Children's Aid Society. Call 911 if the child is in immediate danger.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    Before reporting suspected abuse, how sure do you need to be?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. You need reasonable grounds; you do not need proof

    You do not need proof or certainty, and you should not investigate yourself. Report your reasonable grounds and what you saw or heard.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    A student tells you they are being hurt at home. What should you do?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Listen calmly, do not promise secrecy, and report it yourself as required

    Stay calm and supportive. You cannot promise secrecy, and you should not interview the child in detail. Make the report yourself.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    Your supervisor says they will report a child abuse concern you raised. What does the law expect of you?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. In most provinces the duty is personal, so you should make sure the report is made directly to the child protection agency

    The duty to report applies to any person who has the concern. Do not rely on someone else to report for you.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    Which service is Canada's national tipline for reporting online sexual exploitation of children?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Cybertip.ca

    Cybertip.ca takes reports of online sexual exploitation, such as sexual images of children or online luring.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    How can a young person reach Kids Help Phone by text?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Text CONNECT to 686868

    Young people can call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868, 24/7.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    At a school, a visitor without a pass is walking down a hallway. What should you do?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Politely greet them and direct them to the office to sign in, following the school's visitor procedure

    Most schools require visitors to sign in at the office. A friendly greeting and redirection is usually enough.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    Which practice best protects both students and guards?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Staying in open, visible areas and involving school staff when dealing with students

    Professional boundaries, such as avoiding one-on-one time out of view, protect young people and protect you from false allegations.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    A group of teens is loud in a mall but not breaking any rules. What is the best approach?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Calmly remind them of the rules if needed and treat them like any other customers

    Young people deserve the same respect as other customers. Act on behaviour, not on age or appearance.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    You must correct a student's behaviour. Which approach works best?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Speak calmly and privately if possible, explain the rule, and give a clear choice

    Embarrassing youth in front of peers often makes things worse. Calm, private and clear guidance is more effective.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    Why should you avoid unnecessary physical contact with students?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Because it can be misunderstood, can cause harm, and may be outside your role and the law

    Physical contact should be limited to what is legally justified for safety. Involve school staff and police when needed.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    In Alberta, does the Human Rights Act protect against age discrimination in services for people under 18?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. No, the age ground covers people 18 and older

    Alberta's Act protects age for people 18 and older. Still, treating youth fairly and respectfully is good practice and site policy.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    A school calls a "hold and secure" or lockdown. What should a guard do?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Follow the school's emergency procedure and directions from school staff and police

    Emergency terms and steps differ by school board. Learn the plan before you start and follow it exactly.

What to know before the test

  • The Youth Criminal Justice Act applies to young people aged 12 to 17. No one can be convicted for acts done while under 12.
  • It is an offence to publish information that identifies a young person dealt with under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
  • In Alberta and B.C., any person who believes a child is at risk must report it. B.C. covers children and youth under 19.
  • In Ontario, reporting is mandatory for children under 16, and reports go to a Children's Aid Society.
  • Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 at 1-800-668-6868 or by texting CONNECT to 686868.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a vulnerable sector check to work at a school?

It depends on the role. The employer or organization decides if a position involves trust or authority over children. No federal law requires the check for every job.

Can I tell my supervisor instead of reporting abuse myself?

Tell your supervisor if your site requires it, but the duty to report is personal. Make sure the report reaches the child protection agency directly.

Can a guard detain a young person?

The same arrest and use-of-force laws apply to youth as to adults, but youth have extra protections once police take over. Follow your site's policy and call police.

Are the reporting ages the same everywhere?

No. Child protection laws are provincial and territorial. For example, B.C. covers under 19, Alberta under 18, and Ontario makes reporting mandatory for under 16.

Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?

No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace the security licence training required in your province or territory.

Sources

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