Tag: NSPCC

Helpline referrals for children experiencing domestic abuse in Scotland increased last year

  • Last year, the NSPCC Helpline made 276 referrals to agencies in Scotland where the main concern was domestic abuse – 73% higher than when the charity began recording this data.
  • The NSPCC is appealing to the public to reach out to its Helpline if they have any concern, no matter how small, about a child experiencing domestic abuse.

Referrals about a child experiencing domestic abuse made by the NSPCC Helpline to agencies in Scotland increased by more than a quarter last year.

Between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, the charity’s Helpline made 276 referrals to local agencies in Scotland, including the police and children’s social work, where the main concern was domestic abuse. This is an increase of 27% from the previous year when there were 217 referrals, and 73% from 2021/22 when the NSPCC began recording this data*.  

The NSPCC Helpline has specially trained advisors who can speak to the public if they are worried about a child who may be experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse – whether that is physical violence or coercive and controlling behaviour.

The charity makes a referral when concerns about a child reported to the Helpline are considered to be serious enough to warrant further investigation or if it is felt a family needs support.

An adult in Scotland who contacted the NSPCC Helpline said:

“I’m worried about my little brother and my mother. I believe my mother’s boyfriend is subjecting her to ongoing domestic abuse. He restricts access to her car and regularly monitors her phone to see who’s she’s been speaking to. I’ve witnessed him being verbally aggressive, shouting, swearing, and throwing objects around the flat.

“He has also threatened to report mum to children’s services, even though he’s the one who should be reported. Mum is too frightened to ask for help which is why I’m reaching out on her behalf.”

Domestic abuse can include coercive control, and emotional, verbal, physical and financial abuse. Although the majority of domestic abuse victims are women, men can also be affected, and   it is vital support is made available to each person according to their needs.

It can have a lasting, harmful effect on a child’s wellbeing, with the repercussions extending well into the future.

Signs that a child has experienced domestic abuse can include aggression, anti-social behaviour, bed wetting, attention seeking, tantrums, withdrawal and problems in school.

Margaret ** who suffered years of abuse by her ex-husband spoke about the impact this had on her children and is urging victims ask for help:

She said: “I had always known Tony* was controlling, but after our wedding he became emotionally and psychologically abusive, threatening me and belittling me all the time. Then he started being physically abusive.

“We had two children and he became abusive towards them too, shouting and beating them with belts and shoes when I wasn’t there. I could see that they were really affected. They were subdued, sullen and didn’t really behave like children at all.

“One day, I finally snapped and called the police. They helped get us to a safe house.

“I was really worried about whether my children would be able to get over the abuse they had witnessed and endured. They took part in the NSPCC’s domestic abuse programme, and the light has come back into their eyes. They changed from quiet and subdued children to boisterous and playful – like they’ve released whatever they’d been holding on to.

“If there are any parents reading this and going through something like us, or you know someone who is, help is out there. I know my children will be OK, but without help, they may not have been.”

Paddi Vint, NSPCC Helpline Service Head, says: “It’s worrying that referrals made by the NSPCC Helpline to agencies in Scotland increased by more than a quarter last year.

“Domestic abuse is often hidden, with stigma and shame making it harder to ask for help. Children and young people might also feel frightened and confused, keeping the abuse to themselves.

“If you’re worried about a child, you can speak to our free NSPCC Helpline in complete confidence. Reaching out can be the first step to help families begin to move forward.”

Anyone with any concerns about the welfare of a child can call the NSPCC Helpline free on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk. If an adult or child is in immediate danger, call 999.

NSPCC reveals five ways parents can help children as they return to school

Back-to-School Butterflies? 

  • New Childline data reveals more than 1,500 counselling sessions were delivered to children across the UK between April 2025 and March 2026 mentioned returning to school or college
  • In almost two in five (39%) of those sessions, children’s emotional wellbeing was the primary concern, making it the most common issue discussed
  • As families prepare for the new school term, Matalan is continuing its partnership with the NSPCC to share expert-backed advice and practical support to help children feel confident, prepared and emotionally ready for the return to school

As part of its Back-to-School campaign, Matalan has again joined forces with the NSPCC to help families feel ready, supported and confident as children prepare for the new academic year.

For many families, the return to school is an exciting milestone. But whether a child is starting school for the first time, moving into a new year group or returning after the summer holidays, it can also bring feelings of uncertainty and anxiety.

The charity’s latest data shows how common back-to-school worries can be. Between April 2025 and March 2026, NSPCC service, Childline, delivered more than 1,500 counselling sessions to children across the UK in which returning to school or college was mentioned.

In almost two in five (39%) of those sessions, children’s primary concern was their emotional wellbeing, making it the most common issue raised. Back-to-school anxiety was also shown to peak in August, as children and young people prepared to return to the classroom following the summer holidays.

To support families during this key retail and parenting moment, Matalan is using its Back-to-School activity to spotlight practical advice from the NSPCC, giving parents and carers simple ways to help children navigate first days, new year groups and back-to-school nerves. The guidance is designed to help families start conversations early and build children’s confidence before worries become overwhelming.

The advice comes as part of Matalan’s ongoing partnership with the NSPCC and coincides with the retailer’s sponsored episode of the Happy Mum podcast.

In the episode, presenter Giovanna Fletcher is joined by Childline Practitioner Gail Sayles to discuss the challenges children face when returning to school, alongside practical tips to help families build confidence and ease anxieties ahead of the new school year.

Gail Sayles, Childline Practitioner, said: “Starting a new school year can bring a mixture of excitement and nerves for children and parents alike.

“We know from the young people who contact Childline that worries about going back to school can have a real impact on their emotional wellbeing. Children might be anxious about making new friends, starting a new school or simply adjusting to the return of the normal routine.

“Parents can help children to feel more confident and prepared for returning to school by encouraging regular conversations, beginning to implement small routines in the lead up to the new school term and encouraging them to do things they enjoy to ease any anxieties.

“The most important thing is letting children know their feelings are valid – and that there are trusted adults and services, such as Childline, around them who can help.”

With many children across the UK preparing to return to the classroom in the coming weeks, the NSPCC has shared the following five tips for parents and carers:

Five ways to help children feel confident about going back to school

  1. Writing feelings down: Encourage your child to write down what they’re excited about and anything they’re worried about. Looking at the list together can help you chat through their concerns, ease any worries and remind them of all the positives ahead.
  2. Practical steps: Once your child has shared how they’re feeling about starting or returning to school, a few simple routines can make things feel smoother. Try easing back into a good bedtime routine, keeping devices out of the bedroom, and helping them pack their school bag. If they wear a uniform, checking everything is ready can help them feel more prepared.
  3. Talk them through the routine: If your child is starting school for the first time, talk through the school day with them, including playtimes and lunchtime and make sure they know who is collecting them and from where. You can also practise recognising their name and their teacher’s name to build confidence.
  4. Doing things they enjoy: Even once they’re back at school, making time each day for something they enjoy can help ease any anxiety. Playing outside, going for a walk or joining in with a sport are great ways to support their wellbeing and keep a healthy routine.
  5. Look out for signs: It can take time for children to settle into a new school or routine. If you notice changes in their behaviour or you’re feeling worried, it’s important to speak to their teacher so you can work together to support them. You can also contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk for free advice from a trained professional — even if it’s just to put your mind at ease.

Matalan’s Back to School campaign aims to help families feel ready, supported and confident as they prepare for the new academic year, with the NSPCC providing expert guidance to support parents and carers during the transition.

Through its long-standing partnership with the NSPCC, Matalan has raised more than £12 million for the children’s charity since 2004, helping to support its vital work protecting children across the UK.

Parents looking for more advice can tune into the latest episode of the Happy Mum podcast, where Giovanna Fletcher and Childline Practitioner Gail Sayles explore children’s confidence, emotional readiness and practical ways to navigate the back-to-school transition.

Families can also contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk for free advice from trained professionals.

Childline is available for young people via the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website.

Childline counselling sessions about online child sexual abuse jump by over a third in one year

  • Alarming new figures reveal that last year Childline delivered over 2,400 counselling sessions to children and young people across the UK about online child sexual abuse and exploitation – an annual increase of 36%.
  • Overall, the service delivered over 4,300 counselling sessions to children and young people across the UK with concerns about online harms.
  • NSPCC urges the Government to go further than a ban and take three key actions when their online safety consultation concludes to force tech companies to keep children safe.
  • The charity has also launched a new campaign Shift Ctrl which highlights how online harm disrupts the everyday lives of young people.

Children’s charity the NSPCC are raising the alarm as Childline counselling sessions across the UK about online child sexual abuse and exploitation jumped by more than a third in the last year.

New data from the NSPCC-run service reveals that between April 2025 and March 2026 Childline delivered 2,444 counselling sessions across the UK about online child sexual abuse and exploitation, marking a 36% annual increase.

These figures feed into and reflect a wider problem, with 4,321 counselling sessions taking place about all online harms, including online child sexual abuse, cyberbullying and concerns about young people’s digital behaviour – a 30% increase compared on the year before.

The NSPCC is highlighting these findings as further evidence of how tech companies are failing to protect children across their sites, arguing that without swift action the risks young people face online will get even worse.

Speaking to the service, children described encountering inappropriate and harmful content, falling for online scams, being bullied online and facing privacy concerns on big tech platforms.

They also shared reflections on their social media behaviour and sought advice on managing their screen time and online habits.

Of the 2,444 contacts about online child sexual abuse, young people spoke about being scared that images of them would be shared, about being financially extorted, and the impact this form of abuse could have on their futures. Many asked for support on how to speak to an adult about this.

One 14-year-old girl who contacted Childline said: “I met a guy online and he managed to get photos of me in my underwear. I didn’t send them to him, so I don’t know how he got them.

“He threatened to put my photos on adult websites if I don’t send him more photos. I’m so scared. I’ve reported him online and I’m wondering if I should go to the police too.”

At the same, the children’s charity has launched its Shift Ctrl campaign which highlights how online harm disrupts the everyday lives of young people. It calls on the public to join the charity in demanding urgent action from Government and tech companies to create a safer online world for children.

A video[SM1]  promoting the campaign will appear on various on‑demand TV services, in cinemas (including before The Mandalorian and Grogu), across online video and social media platforms and on billboards across the UK.

As the Government consults on children’s access to social media, the charity is setting out three key actions that they must take to hold tech companies to account and keep children safe:

  1. Make sure teens get genuinely age‑appropriate experiences – platforms must be safe before children can use them.
  2. Stop platforms using addictive design tricks that leave young people feeling out of control.
  3. Use the full force of the law to block illegal and harmful content e.g. nude images at the source across online services, including on devices and AI.

Chris Sherwood, CEO at the NSPCC, said: “For far too long, tech companies have prioritised profit over the wellbeing of children, playing fast and loose with their safety. Enough is enough.

“Behind each of these Childline counselling sessions is a child in distress, using an online world with features that are designed to put them at risk.

“It is crucial that the Government uses their consultation on children’s access to the online world as a springboard to finally hold platforms to account for this harm and to force them to make these spaces safe for young users. This includes ensuring tech companies take action in blocking nude images of children from being taken and shared in real time.

“I urge everyone who cares about creating a safer online world for children to take part in the public consultation before it closes. Together, we can put an end to this harm and give children the safety they need and deserve and parents demand.”

Kerry Smith, Chief Executive of the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) said: “Everywhere we look online, children are being sexually exploited. Girls are facing increasingly normalised sexual violence, while boys are being singled out by criminals who capitalise on feelings of shame and fear to extort money from them.

 “Our analysts are discovering record amounts of child sexual abuse imagery online. Stopping this downward spiral and working to create an internet where everyone can flourish needs to be the priority. Safety by design needs to be a guiding principle – and new products and platforms must be built to make sure there is nowhere where criminals can target and exploit children.

 “This must apply to all parts of the internet, even those which are end to end encrypted. Currently, it is just too easy for criminals to target and exploit children and young people. Everybody must play their part in making sure children can learn, play, and socialise online in safety.”

You can submit your response to the Government’s consultation here.

NSPCC calls for mandatory tech to block child sexual abuse images in real time

Offences in Scotland reach record levels

The NSPCC is urging tech companies to embed technology on children’s phones that blocks nude images from being created, shared or viewed – and for the UK Government to take further action if they fail to. 

This comes as the charity reveals child sexual abuse image crimes logged by Police Scotland reached record levels last year, with more than 828 offences in 2024/25 -11% higher than the previous year.

Data obtained by the NSPCC from police forces across the UK, revealed that between 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 there were 36,829 recorded offences of indecent and prohibited images of children across the UK. 

Across the 42 forces that provided data for both years, the number of offences increased by 9%.

Moreover, of the 10,811 crimes where law enforcement1 recorded the platform used by perpetrators, 43% took place on Snapchat alone – a total of 4,615.

Overall, Meta platforms still accounted for almost a quarter of all offences (24%), with 8% on Instagram, 7% on WhatsApp, 5% on Facebook and 4% on Messenger. However, the figures in relation to these platforms only paint part of the picture, as end-to-end-encryption (E2EE) means the scale of abuse children are experiencing online is hidden – preventing detection and leading to under-reporting on these platforms.

Without adequate safety features designed to keep children safe online across all platforms, many young people are exposed to the risk of grooming, extortion, online child sexual abuse and having intimate images shared – all of which can have a devastating impact on a child’s life, sometimes well into adulthood. 

One 17-year-old boy who contacted Childline* said, “I shared a nude online and it was leaked, so everyone at school saw it. I was in a really bad way, so I moved schools. The nude pictures still come up as random people message me and blackmail me with them. I’m worried about my new friends seeing them and how the leaked nudes will impact my career in the future.” 

The UK Government committed in the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy to work with tech companies to stop children in the UK from taking or sharing nude images. This new data makes it clear that tech companies are failing to prioritise young people’s safety across their platforms.

The NSPCC believes that tech companies must act now and embed effective protections for children. They argue that using existing technologies on children’s phones that blocks illegal images in real time would help prevent these crimes from happening in the first place. 

If companies do not act, the UK Government must make these safeguards mandatory to ensure every child is protected from this abuse online.

This is one of the three recommendations the charity has pushed the Government to implement to make children safe – to go further in protecting children online than a social media ban alone. 

Chris Sherwood, CEO at the NSPCC, said: “Children across the UK are being completely failed by tech companies that should be protecting them online. We cannot keep letting them off the hook when they can do more to prevent this from happening in the first place.

“Behind every one of these offences is a child who has been groomed, abused and manipulated. They are left to carry the trauma, whilst tech companies continue to profit handsomely.  

“Technology already exists that could be deployed today to stop children from taking, sharing or receiving nude images. So, the real question is: what’s stopping them? If they continue to drag their feet, Government must show their might by stepping in and compelling them to act”.

Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.

Report Remove is available in the UK to anyone under 18 to confidentially report and remove sexual images or videos of themselves from the internet.

This initiative, a collaboration between Childline and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), offers a secure and anonymous way for young people to take control of their online presence and safety.

Letter: NSPCC calls for tech companies to keep under 13s off social media

Dear Editor,

The online world is now a major part of young people’s lives, and while it has incredible benefits, we know it comes with risks too.

Whether under-16s should have access to social media is a major source of debate in the UK at the moment, and the NSPCC is pleased to hear the Government is asking for people’s opinions as part of their Public Consultation which launched this week.

The status quo is not working for children, or for their parents who are desperate to keep them safe. Tech companies are failing to protect them from preventable risks and harms on social media platforms, gaming sites and AI tools.

This cannot be allowed to continue.  

We encourage parents, carers and children across the country to join the national consultation. Give your views, your firsthand experience of the good and the bad of the online world, and help decide what happens next.

The NSPCC is calling for tech companies to keep under 13s off social media – a move which would immediately protect 2.5 million children – for platforms to stop using design tricks which keep young people addicted, and to block harmful content at the source.

Making these crucial changes is in the power of Government, regulators and tech companies and more effective than a social media ban for under 16s. But at the same time, we recognise at the charity that a ban is better than doing nothing.

To have your say, go to www.gov.uk and search ‘social media consultation’ or click here.

Yours,

Chris Sherwood

NSPCC Chief Executive

Letter: Children struggling with disordered eating are not alone

Dear Editor,

This National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (23 February to 2 March), I’d like to remind children and young people who are struggling with disordered eating that you’re not alone.

I was a confident and happy child, but from a young age I was surrounded by diet culture that made me believe my body should be smaller. What began as insecurity when I was five, slowly developed into years of disordered eating and anorexia. At times, I felt consumed by food, calories, and the pressure to shrink myself. Even when I seemed ‘fine’, I was struggling more than anyone realised.

If you’re reading this and recognise yourself, please know support is available. An eating disorder is not your fault, and you deserve help and compassion. Reaching out for help can feel frightening – I remember that feeling well – but it’s also the first step towards getting better.

Talk to someone you trust, whether that’s a friend, teacher, parent or GP. And if speaking to someone you know feels too difficult, you can contact the NSPCC’s Childline service anonymously by calling 0800 1111 or visit: www.childline.org.uk.

You don’t need to have the right words or even know exactly what’s wrong – they will listen, without judgement, and help you find a way forward.

No one should face an eating disorder alone. Reaching out for support is an act of real courage, and the first step towards recovery.

With all my best wishes, Lauren* (age 24) from Scotland

NSPCC Lived Experience Advocate

*Lauren is not her real name – she requested that we protect her identity

“No platform gets a free pass”: UK Government takes action to keep children safe online

Westminster Government will give parents and carers greater clarity and support as the Prime Minister announces immediate action to make the online world safer for children

  • PM announces new powers to act within months to keep children safe amid rapid technology changes
  • New action will ensure no platform gets a free pass – as government today will close loopholes that put children at risk, and lays the groundwork for further, faster action
  • PM leads new crackdown on AI chatbots to protect people from illegal content

The UK Government will give parents and carers greater clarity and support as the Prime Minister announces immediate action to make the online world safer for children.

Speaking to parents and young people later today [Monday 16 February], the Prime Minister will make clear this government will act at pace to keep kids safe online as they navigate a digital world that did not exist a generation ago, and one that is shaped by powerful platforms, addictive design and fast-moving technologies.

The new measures announced today include crackdown on vile illegal content created by AI. The government will move fast to shut a legal loophole and force all AI chatbot providers to abide by illegal content duties in the Online Safety Act or face the consequences of breaking the law. This will ensure the Act keeps up with rapidly evolving harms.

This follows government action to call out abhorrent non-consensual intimate images being shared on Grok, which subsequently led to the function being removed.

The Prime Minister will also make clear today that his government is taking new legal powers to lay the groundwork for immediate action following its consultation on children’s wellbeing online. The Government is committed to following the evidence, and these powers will mean we can act fast on its findings within months, rather than waiting years for new primary legislation every time technology evolves.

That means being able to act quickly on measures like setting a minimum age limit for social media and restricting features like infinite scrolling that are harmful, in line with the consultation. The law is crystal clear: the distribution of nude images of children is already illegal. But the government will also consult on how best to ensure tech companies can safeguard children from sending or receiving such images in the first place.

The consultation will also confront the full range of risks children face online. This includes examining restrictions on children’s use of AI chatbots, as well as options to age restrict or limit children’s VPN use where it undermines safety protections and changing the age of digital consent.

The government will also strengthen protections for families facing the most devastating circumstances, by ensuring that vital data following a child’s death is preserved before it can be deleted, except in cases where online activity is clearly not relevant to the death.

This marks a clear shift in how the UK approaches child online safety, meaning the UK can continue to be a world leader in keeping children safe online.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “As a dad of two teenagers, I know the challenges and the worries that parents face making sure their kids are safe online.

“Technology is moving really fast, and the law has got to keep up. With my government, Britain will be a leader not a follower when it comes to online safety.

“The action we took on Grok sent a clear message that no platform gets a free pass. 

“Today we are closing loopholes that put children at risk, and laying the groundwork for further action.

“We are acting to protect children’s wellbeing and help parents to navigate the minefield of social media.”

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “I know that parents across the country want us to act urgently to keep their children safe online. That’s why I stood up to Grok and Elon Musk when they flouted British laws and British values. 

“We will not wait to take the action families need, so we will tighten the rules on AI chatbots and we are laying the ground so we can act at pace on the results of the consultation on young people and social media.

“We are determined to give children the childhood they deserve and to prepare them for the future at time of rapid technological change.”

The children’s digital wellbeing consultation will launch next month and will be guided by what parents and children say they need now, not in several years’ time.

Ministers are already engaging with parents, young people and civil society groups, and the message has been consistent and clear that parents want support and fast.

To help parents immediately, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has launched the ‘You Won’t Know until You Ask’ campaign. It offers practical guidance on safety settings, conversation prompts parents can use with their children, and age‑appropriate advice on dealing with harmful content, including misogynistic material and ragebait.

Chris Sherwood, NSPCC CEO, said: “We welcome the Prime Minister’s promise to act quickly and decisively to hold tech companies to account and make the online world safer for children. The status quo can’t continue, and without real change the pressure for an under‑16 social media ban will only increase.

“Much of what is being proposed mirrors what we have been pressing for: proper age‑limit enforcement, an end to addictive design, and stronger action from platforms, devices, and AI tools to stop harmful content at the source. Delivered swiftly, these measures would offer far better protection than a blanket ban.

“We also strongly support putting children’s voices at the centre of this debate. They understand both the benefits and risks of being online and – after their insights have been overlooked in discussions so far – their experiences must now help guide the decisions made in the months ahead.

“We need urgent action and an ambitious agenda if the Government is going to take on tech bosses and make a difference for children and young people.”

Andy Burrows, Chief Executive of Molly Rose Foundation, said: “Parents are right to demand urgent action on online safety, and we strongly welcome the Government’s ambition to move quickly and decisively to tackle appalling and preventable harm. 

“This announcement should reassure parents that change is on the way. It means that children and families could see much needed safety improvements within months, including action against high-risk AI Chatbots and new measures to prevent girls from being coerced into sending nude photos.  

“This a welcome downpayment but the Prime Minister must now go further. Sir Keir Starmer should commit to a new Online Safety Act that strengthens regulation and that makes clear that product safety and children’s wellbeing is the cost of doing business in the UK.”

Resources created by young people in Scotland will help make online world safer

New educational tools to help children and young people understand the risks of the online world including artificial intelligence, online bullying and misinformation have been launched.

The resources have been developed by a group of young people from across Scotland to help keep children safe online. It is part of a project called ‘Amplifying Child Safety Online’, being delivered by the NSPCC in partnership with the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP).

The work is being led by 10 young people, including Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs), who have called themselves Digital Safety Ambassadors.

They have created a set of videos, posters and an educational session plan to support children and young people and professionals who work with them, with child safety online.

To produce these tools, they led workshops with groups of young people from regions across Scotland over the past 12 months, to explore their experiences of being online and the challenges they face in staying safe.

Other topics the groups have discussed include social media and body image, grooming and talking with strangers, hate speech, scams, and keeping personal information private.

The Digital Safety Ambassadors also worked with the NSPCC’s Voice of Online Youth, a group of 14 young people aged 13-17 from across the UK, and youth engagement groups in Northern Ireland and Wales to identify common issues across the devolved nations and ensure that young people’s voices and their views about online safety are heard and considered.

They hosted an online event last November to showcase the child online safety tools they have developed. This marked an important step in connecting young people’s lived experiences with those in positions of power. With the project now available to the wider public, the co-designed materials will be used to raise awareness of the risks young people face online, and support influencing opportunities with decision-makers.  

Catriona, MSYP for Falkirk East, said: “I got involved in this project because young people are online so much and social media is such a core part of our lives, so it’s an important topic to target.

“Young people should be safe online, but this isn’t the case. The online world and social media can be a great thing, and I don’t think we should stop young people from using it, but more needs to be done by tech companies and politicians to make sure children don’t see inappropriate content.

“I hope this project can make people more aware of the issues that children face online and they are vulnerable to harm.”

Arianna Gagnon, MSYP for Clydebank and Milngavie and Digital Safety Ambassador, said: “Online safety is such an important issue because young people get exposed to inappropriate content.

“We need to be aware of risks because we’ve grown up with the digital world and it’s a significant part of our lives.

“I hope this project helps to create a safer space online for young people. We’d like to make decision makers more aware of what young people are experiencing online and to realise that online safety is a big issue. I don’t think it’s a big enough priority just now.”

Joanna Barrett, NSPCC Associate Head of Policy for the Nations, said: “Children have a right to be safe online and to have their voices heard on the issues that matter most to them. 

“This project has provided an opportunity for the young people to make their views and insights on tackling online harms and improving digital safety heard by decision-makers and those with responsibility for child safety online.

“We hope this will empower decision-makers to shape policy and practice that reflects the realities facing young people online.”

Mary-Martha Dickie, MSYP for Girlguiding Scotland and Digital Safety Ambassador, said: “I first got involved in the project because I noticed how reliant we are towards social media and the potential risks it creates.

“It’s been great to meet with a wide range of young people and work together to find out how we can enjoy the online environment whilst ensuring our safety is guaranteed.”

Nathi, Digital Safety Ambassador, said: “I got involved in this project because I saw how social media really impacts young people – it’s part of our everyday lives.

“This project has helped me to see social media in a better light and recognise some of the risks. It’s been great to use our experiences to help other people.

“Hearing young people’s views from different regions of Scotland was so interesting. I was surprised by how knowledgeable they were on so many topics such as artificial intelligence, misinformation and body image.

“Young people aren’t safe online just now, especially younger audiences. We need to make it safer so they can still access it because it’s not all bad. It can also be useful for learning and studying.”

Sonia said: “A lot of young people aren’t aware of how to stay safe online.

“I think young people’s safety online needs to be more of a priority. Children are our future and it’s our duty to keep them safe.

“I’ve learned about the importance of taking responsibility by being part of this project and the value of participation. It’s great to get the chance to have an impact and I feel very grateful for the opportunity to do such valuable work.

“I hope decision makers listen to and take us seriously and that they introduce measures to make sure children are safer online in future.”

For more information about this project visit: NSPCC Child Safety Online

Amplifying-Child-Safety-Online-Supporting-ResourcesDownload

NSPCC responds to thousands of child protection concerns as Christmas countdown continues

  • Last December, NSPCC’s Helpline service received almost 5,400 contacts from an adult with concerns for a child. Of these, three quarters were about abuse.
  • The charity is reminding adults and young people that their Helpline and Childline services are here for them right through the festive period.
  • The Childline Christmas campaign continues to highlight how the next few weeks can be the most dangerous time of year for some children.

The NSPCC will be responding to thousands of child protection concerns during the Christmas countdown and right through the festive period.

Last December the charity’s Helpline received 5,384 contacts from an adult with concerns about a child, with three quarters of these being about emotional, physical and sexual abuse (including online) and neglect.

Around a third of these contacts came from parents or carers and a fifth from neighbours and members of the community.

The Helpline was just as busy across the 12 Days of Christmas – December 24 to January 4 – dealing with almost 2,000 child welfare contacts sent via email and shared over the phone.

One in six (17%) of contacts over the 12 Days of Christmas were deemed so serious that NSPCC practitioners made referrals to the local authorities or emergency services for further attention and action.

A carer told the NSPCC Helpline: “I’m calling about the family next door. It’s just the parents and their child who’s around 3 or 4. I can hear them shouting and screaming such awful things at the child, and at each other, pretty much every day.

“It seems like it’s been getting worse over Christmas. This is no place to raise a child. Is there anything you can do to help?”

The NSPCC Helpline is a dedicated service which helps adults with concerns about children. These can be related to a child’s safety and wellbeing or for adults seeking guidance and support on issues that affect young people.

Child protection specialists are on hand to advise and can, if necessary, refer the concern to a different organisation. The Helpline will be open to provide help and support across the festive period.

Children are also directly contacting the charity through Childline about a range of issues, with the NSPCC-service delivering over 2,700 counselling sessions related to abuse across the winter period.  

A child, aged 13 told Childline: “I’m scared of visiting my mum on Christmas. She and her sisters call me names and yell at me.

“They told me I won’t get any presents because of how I behaved this year, but all my siblings will. It’s so unfair!”  

In response the NSPCC is running a hard-hitting campaign shining a light on how, for some children, Christmas is the most dangerous time of year. The campaign advert, now showing on TV and running across radio, is inspired by the true story of a woman who was abused by her father.

Lived Experience Advocate, Sarah, who inspired the Christmas advert, said: “Christmas Day used to be so special to me, I used to love dressing up in nice dresses and jewellery, then one day I never wanted to dress up again as my father assaulted me while wearing a new skirt.  

“He would use the festive period as another way to exert power over me and manipulate me. He would make me ‘earn’ my presents each year, which he often ended up selling when he ran out of money.  

“I was nine when I first called Childline to disclose my abuse and ended up speaking to a wonderful counsellor who made me feel listened to and safe These conversations encouraged me to seek further support and, eventually, my father was convicted of his crimes against me.  

“This Christmas, I would urge every child to speak out if something doesn’t feel right. Childline is here for every child who has a concern and they don’t know where to turn to.”

Adeniyi Alade, Service Head for NSPCC headlines in Scotland, said: “Christmas should be a time of joy, but for too many children in Scotland it can be a difficult time.

“Behind the statistics are young people who feel frightened, neglected or unheard — and that’s why Childline is here every day, including throughout the festive period. Whether it’s worries about abuse, bullying or simply feeling alone, our counsellors are ready to listen and support children whenever they need us.

“We know that the pressures families face at this time of year — from financial strain to heightened tensions at home — can make life even harder for children living in unsafe or unhappy situations. By speaking out, children can take the first step towards safety and support, and Childline will always be here to make sure their voices are heard.

“Our Helpline is a place for adults who have concerns over the welfare of a child, but don’t know where to turn to. We have trained experts who know how to handle concerns and when and where to make referrals, giving a child the best chance of being safe and well looked after this Christmas period.”

Kam Thandi, Helpline Director, said: “Our Helpline figures reveal how thousands of adults are reaching out to us with concerns about children’s safety as we move through December and into the festive period.

“We know that Christmas can place extra pressures on people – financial strain, increased alcohol consumption, families spending more time together in close quarters – can all contribute to situations where children are at risk.

“Behind every one of the contacts we receive throughout December is an adult who cared enough to speak up, and in many cases, that call has led to vital interventions to protect a child.

“While the NSPCC Helpline is there for adults, our Childline service is also available to all children to talk about their concerns. Trained counsellors are here 24/7, including throughout the festive period, to listen to young people’s concerns and provide advice.”

This Christmas, Childline is reminding young people that it is there for them 24/7 via the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website.  

Any adults concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing can contact the NSPCC Helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk or by calling 0808 800 5000.      

DC Thomson family’s charitable trust donates £150,000 to support NSPCC to keep children safe online

A charitable trust, established by a family member of one of Scotland’s largest media companies, will help continue the NSPCC’s work to keep children safe online after pledging a donation of £150,000.

The Northwood Charitable Trust, which was set up by a member of the DC Thomson family in 1972, has pledged to donate £50k annually over the next three years to the children’s charity to support its campaign and research work on online safety.

DC Thomson is famous for publications such as the Beano, The Courier and the Sunday Post.

The core purpose of the Northwood Charitable Trust, which has supported the NSPCC for over a decade, is making communities better and more supportive places for people to live, work and prosper.

Their additional funding will be used for the NSPCC’s work to help protect children and young people online, including a youth-led project collaborating with the Scottish Youth Parliament which aims to ensure that young people’s voices are central to the development of a safer internet. 

The NSPCC continues to advocate for stronger protections in online gaming and digital platforms, trying to ensure children are protected from harm wherever they spend time online.

Blair Thomson, head of the Northwood Charitable Trust, said: “The Trust is proud to support the NSPCC’s pioneering work in online safety.

“In an increasingly digital world, we believe no child should ever feel unsafe or unheard. The NSPCC’s efforts give vulnerable young people a voice and safeguard the innocence every child deserves.”

Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive of the NSPCC, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Northwood Charitable Trust for their continued support. This generous donation strengthens our work to keep children safe online and ensures that young people’s voices are heard where it will make the most impact.

“In a fast-changing digital world, it’s vital that we stay ahead of emerging risks and advocate for stronger protections across platforms- so that every child can explore and connect safely.

“With this support, we can continue pushing for meaningful change that protects children now and into the future.”

Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.

If you are concerned about a child you can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or email: help@NSPCC.org.uk.