A study carried out by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children has revealed that 20 percent of children attending secondary school are suffering severe abuse or neglect. The survey of 2,275 children aged between 11 and 17 years old and 1,761 adults between 18 and 24 follows a previous survey which was conducted by the NSPCC in 1998-99.
In the last thirty years, research has revealed that some types of neglect and abuse have lessened, although the level of abuse which still occurs is much too high. The reduction in levels of abuse is thought to be attributed to rising public awareness of attitudes and behaviour towards children. With approximately 46,000 children on local authority child protection registers or plans, the majority of children who are victims of abuse and neglect, don’t appear to be getting the vital help that they need. This help would come from statutory services or local community support networks.
Children who are being abused or neglected require support, and if they don’t receive that vital support their development and long term health may suffer. The study recently carried out has shown that children who are neglected or abused are nine times more likely than children who aren’t abused or neglected to try and commit suicide, and five times more likely to self harm.
In order to address the issue with earlier intervention, the NSPCC are looking to teachers, school staff and other professionals to identify and respond to the many children who are being abused right now, in the United Kingdom. Chief executive of the NSPCC, Andrew Flanagan, believes that teachers and other professionals must be given the support necessary to identify possible cases of neglect and abuse, in order to work with health and social workers and other professionals to prevent the long term harm that is caused by abuse. He said:
The scale and impact of child abuse requires a major shift towards earlier intervention in child protection. When children do not get the protection and support they need when they most need it, they can be vulnerable to continuing physical or mental harm and further abuse.
According to Andrew Flanagan, there are children in every secondary school across the UK, who are severely mistreated, with some suffering from early childhood. As school is a place of safety, and maybe the only place of safety for the children, teachers are in a critical position to help them.
The NSPCC are urging anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect to call the 24-hour helpline. They are calling on everyone to stay vigilant and look out for signs of abuse. If a child is having a problem, they are urged to contact Childline for help.
Professionals who work with children or are involved with child protection, can receive advice and support from the NSPCC. If you are at all worried about the welfare of a child, or suspect abuse or neglect, please call the NSPCC’s free helpline on 0808 800 5000, which is a confidential service.
The number for Childline is 0800 1111
Let’s all help to reduce the numbers of children who are suffering abuse or being neglected by the people who should be caring for them. Report any concerns immediately to the NSPCC, who specialise in child protection and the prevention of child abuse.
