Tag: NSPCC

Three in five adults in Scotland believe the risk of children being abused increases over Christmas

  • New NSPCC poll also reveals one in eight respondents had concerns for the safety of a child known to them during the Christmas holidays
  • Financial pressures, substance misuse and strained family relationships are some of the main reasons given for why adults are concerned about children experiencing harm or abuse at home over the festive period
  • A new hard-hitting Childline campaign, supported by Natalie Dormer is raising awareness of how Christmas can be the most dangerous time of year for some children and how the service is here to help them through the holidays

Three in five adults in Scotland believe children face an increased risk of abuse (64%) and exposure to domestic violence (68%) during the Christmas holidays.

New polling from the NSPCC also reveals that one in eight adults have had concerns for the safety of a child they know over the festive period.

The YouGov survey of 4,259 UK adults, which includes 315 from Scotland, analysed the dangers that adults believe children face over Christmas and the potential reasons why young people are at increased risk.

When asked why they were concerned about children experiencing harm or abuse at home during the holidays, adults identified:

  • Financial pressures at home (75%),
  • Substance misuse at home (75%),
  • Food insecurity (64%)
  • Families spending more time together (68%)
  • Support services – social services, schools – either closed or operating at reduced capacity (67%).

The majority of respondents believe the most effective way to keep children safe at Christmas is for adults to be aware of the warning signs of abuse and neglect and ensuring young people know who to contact if they need support.

The new NSPCC poll comes as the charity launches a hard-hitting campaign shining a light on how, for some children, Christmas is the most dangerous time of year.

Last year thousands of young people from across the UK contacted the NSPCC’s Childline service with concerns about abuse across the winter period.

A young person told Childline: “Dad’s drinking always gets worse at Christmas. Then the drinking leads to arguments and the arguments turn into him hitting mum. I wish I could protect her, but dad is so much stronger than us both. I want to call the police, or social services, but who will come out at Christmas?”

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. It follows a little girl Sarah, who returns home from school at the end of winter term and is confronted by the presence of her abusive father.

Another child, aged 16, told the service: “It always all kicks off at Christmas. Mum goes crazy at dad; she hates him trying to speak to his family, even to say Merry Christmas.

“She hates him speaking to anyone else really. I can hear her calling him lazy and useless for not doing enough again this year and she’s made him cry. I want to walk out, but where would I go on Christmas? I’ve locked myself in my room with my sister for now; when mum’s done with dad, she might blow up on us next.”

Natalie Dormer, actor, producer and NSPCC’s Ambassador for Childline, said: “These findings reveal an uncomfortable truth that often goes unspoken during the festive season. While many of us look forward to Christmas, far too many children face a season filled with uncertainty, anxiety and fear.

“The campaign advert, inspired by a real survivor’s story, captures the heartbreaking moment of dread when the school term ends and a child’s safe space disappears.

“Behind the closed doors of homes across the country, children are suffering in silence while the rest of us celebrate. This NSPCC campaign sends a crucial message: Childline will be there for every young person who needs support.”

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. 

Adeniyi Alade, head of Childline in Scotland, said: “We know from the children who reach out to us that the festive season can be one of the hardest times of the year. While many look forward to Christmas, for some young people it means being trapped at home with the very problems they fear most — whether that’s violence, substance misuse or simply feeling invisible.

“We want children in Scotland to know that Childline is always open, day and night, even over Christmas. No matter what’s happening behind closed doors, they can talk to us in confidence and we will listen.”

Chris Sherwood, CEO of the NSPCC, said: “This new research highlights a troubling reality that Christmas – which should be a time of joy and happiness for all children – can instead be a period of heightened danger for far too many children.

“Financial pressures, increased alcohol consumption, and strained family relationships are all factors that can heighten the risk of child abuse in the home over the festive period.

“That’s why our Christmas campaign is so important, reminding children they are not alone and that Childline is here for them day and night over the festive period.”

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.    

Thousands of online grooming crimes in Scotland during past five years

  • NSPCC publishes new research highlighting a range of tools tech companies, Ofcom, and Government can employ to protect children from perpetrators

More than 3,000 online grooming crimes have been recorded by Police Scotland during the past five years, new data compiled by the NSPCC reveals.   

The figures published by the Scottish Government show that 3,158 Communicating Indecently with a Child offences have been recorded since 2020.   

The charity points out that while these are the offences recorded by police; the real number of crimes is likely to be much higher due to abuse happening in private spaces where harms can be harder to detect.

The NSPCC is highlighting these offences as it publishes new research to tackle this issue – it sets out solutions that can be used to prevent, detect and disrupt grooming in private messaging spaces. Online child sexual abuse crimes can have a long-term impact on a child, leaving them with feelings of guilt, shame, depression, confusion, anxiety and fear.

One 14-year-old who contacted Childline said: “I feel so insecure all the time, so, when this guy I’ve met online, who’s a few years older, started flirting with me, that made me feel so special.

“He seemed to care, but now he’s insisting I send him nudes, and I don’t know if he just gave me attention, so I’d send him nudes. I feel like I’ve been tricked but I’m afraid what he might do if I just block him.

“I can’t control how anxious this makes me feel.”

The charity’s new research identifies cycles of behaviours that perpetrators use, such as creating multiple different profiles and manipulating young users to engage with them across different platforms.

In response, the NSPCC is urging Ofcom and tech companies to take swift action on the recommendations set out in the report, so that they can better identify and prevent online grooming.

Recommendations include:

  • Implementing tools on a child’s phone that can scan for nude images and identify child sexual abuse material, before its shared.
  • Using metadata analysis, which uses background information, like when, where, and how someone is using a platform, to spot suspicious patterns. It does not read private messages, but it can flag behaviours that suggest grooming, such as adults repeatedly contacting large numbers of children or creating fake profiles.
  • Create barriers for adult profiles engaging children on social media platforms, like restrictions on who they can search and how many people they can contact.
  • Tech platform leaders should commit to delivering services which effectively support and balance user safety and privacy.

The research shows that safety measures must be introduced at the same time to be effective, working in tandem to ensure harm is prevented across the grooming cycle.

The NSPCC is urging tech companies, Ofcom, and Government to take leadership on addressing this devastating crime and commit to using every tool available to them to stop perpetrators in their tracks.

Chris Sherwood, NSPCC Chief Executive, said: “At Childline, we hear first-hand how grooming can devastate young lives. The trauma doesn’t end when the messages stop, it can leave children battling anxiety, depression, and shame for years.

“Tech companies must act now to prevent further escalation. The tools the NSPCC sets out to protect children are ready to use and urgently needed. Importantly, they mean that services can keep children safe while protecting all user’s privacy. Children’s safety must be built into platform design from the start, not treated as an afterthought.”

Kerry Smith, Chief Executive of the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) said: “The internet has opened a door into millions of homes, giving predators access to children.

“Safety should be something which is built into all services and platforms from the bottom up, not tacked on as an afterthought. There should be absolutely nowhere for predators to hide online.

“Tech companies must do everything they can, including in end-to-end encrypted spaces, to keep children safe. It is clear now that this can be done effectively without compromising users’ privacy. There really is no excuse – and the alternative is allowing children to continue to suffer.”

Hundreds of Scottish children contacted Childline about anxiety last year

Anxiety emerges as most common mental health concern for children reaching out to Childline  

  • Last year Childline delivered more than 500 counselling sessions to children and young people from Scotland with concerns about anxiety.  
  • Causes included abuse and trauma, bullying, global concerns and body image issues.
  • This World Mental Health Day (Friday, October 10), Childline is encouraging young people to reach out to the service for support.  

Anxiety has been revealed as the main mental health concern for children and young people when receiving help from Childline.  

Last year, the NSPCC service delivered 546 counselling sessions to children in Scotland related to anxiety, representing almost a quarter (22%) of all support given for mental health issues. 

Navigating problems at school, bullying and body image concerns were some of the reasons children and young people cited for experiencing anxiety. Childline also heard that ongoing social and political issues, such as the UK riots, climate change and world conflict, were also increasing feelings of worry and concern in young people.

One primary school aged girl in Scotland told Childline: “I’m so self-conscious of how I look, my personality, what people think about me. It makes me feel anxious. I know everyone is different, but I feel different in a bad way. Reading and drawing are my ways to escape.”  

Another girl in Scotland, aged 15, told Childline: “I’ve been struggling with even basic tasks lately because of anxiety. I get filled with panic, can’t function and then I get angry with myself, so it gets even worse. It’s really frustrating. I want to tell someone but I’m not sure if my problems are important to anyone” Girl, 15 

Childline is a free service available to any young person in the UK. Trained counsellors are available to support with any concerns, queries or questions and can be reached via phone or through their online chat.  

Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said: “Thousands of children are reaching out to us because they’re struggling with their mental health, in particular with anxiety. We know how overwhelming these feelings can be, often leaving young people feeling trapped and unsure of where to turn.

“From the pressures of school and bullying to concerns about their appearance and worries about global issues, like climate change and world conflict, children are telling us they’re carrying an enormous emotional burden.  

“This World Mental Health Day, we want every young person to know that it’s okay to not be okay, and that help is always available. Childline is here 24/7, providing a safe, confidential space where children can talk about their anxieties, no matter how big or small they may seem.” 

To mark World Mental Health Day, the children’s charity has released a series of tips to support both children and parents or carers. The Childline website also has a host of advice for young people.  

Advice for children who may be struggling with anxiety includes:  

  1. Practice Deep Breathing: When you feel anxious, try breathing in slowly through your nose for a count of five, then exhale slowly through your mouth for another count of five. Focusing on your breath can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety.  
  1. Engage in Physical Activity: Physical exercise can be a great way to improve your mood. Whether it’s going for a walk, dancing, or playing a sport, find an activity you enjoy which can help to manage anxious feelings.  
  1. Stay Present: Grounding techniques can help you stay focused on the present moment. For example, try to identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.   
  1. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Pay attention to negative thoughts that may be contributing to your anxiety. Try to reframe them by focusing on positive aspects or considering alternative perspectives  
  1. Reach Out for Support: Remember, you don’t have to face anxiety alone. Talking to a trusted adult, friend, or counsellor can provide you with support and guidance. Childline is available 24/7 to offer confidential assistance whenever you need it.  

Top tips for parents to support children who may be experiencing anxiety includes:  

  1. Communicate Openly: Encourage your child to talk about their feelings without judgment.   
  1. Understand the Causes: Work together to identify specific situations or thoughts that trigger your child’s anxiety. Understanding these triggers can help when developing effective coping strategies.  
  1. Promote Healthy Routines: Ensure your child maintains regular sleep patterns, balanced nutrition, and physical activity to provide a sense of stability when they may be feeling uncertain within themselves.   
  1. Model Positive Coping Mechanisms: Demonstrate healthy ways to manage stress, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or physical exercise.   
  1. Seek Professional Support When Needed: If your child’s anxiety persists or worsens, consult with a healthcare professional or counsellor.   

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

Councillor jailed for child sex abuse

A 43-year-old man has been sentenced to 27 months in prison and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years after being convicted of sexual offences against a teenage girl.

David Graham, a local authority councillor, had been found guilty on Wednesday, 23 July, 2025, following a trial at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.

The offences took place at various locations in Fife and Edinburgh between February and August, 2023.

Detective Inspector Graham Watson, of the child abuse investigation unit in Glenrothes, said: “Graham is a manipulative individual who groomed and sexually abused his teenage victim. He was well-known and abused his position of power when the offending took place.

“We remain committed to investigating all reports of sexual crime and would encourage anyone affected to report it.

“Every report is taken seriously and will be fully investigated, no matter how much time has passed, with support from our specially trained officers and partner agencies.”

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Graham held a position of trust and authority in the community which he chose to exploit to groom and sexually abuse a vulnerable teenage girl. She has shown immense courage in helping to ensure that Graham faced justice for his crimes.

“It is now vital she gets the support she needs to move forward with her life. No matter how long ago it happened or who the perpetrator was, we would urge victims of sexual abuse to reach out for help with the knowledge they will be listened to and supported. 

“Childline is available 24/7 for any child or young person who needs someone to speak to by calling 0800 1111 or visiting childline.org.uk.

“Adults with concerns over the wellbeing of a child and victims of abuse can contact the NSPCC Helpline for support and advice on 0808 800 5000 or email: help@nspcc.org.uk.” 

Families at Edinburgh Zoo learn about online safety through NSPCC and LEGO Group partnership

Children and families at Edinburgh Zoo learned about online safety while playing with LEGO® bricks, thanks to a new partnership between the NSPCC and the LEGO Group. 

The event was the first of a series in Scotland as part of the Build & Talk campaign, which encourages important conversations with children on topics such as gaming, managing screentime and being kind online – all while being creative with LEGO bricks. 

Other upcoming Build & Talk events were scheduled for Fringe by the Sea in North Berwick and Play Day East Ayrshire in Kilmarnock today (August 6).  

NSPCC Scotland’s Local Campaigns team set up a stall at Edinburgh Zoo last week. Dozens of children and families visited the stall to have a go at some of the LEGO Group’s activities and talk about gaming safe online. 

At the stall, children were encouraged to take part in challenges such as building their favourite character from the game they were currently playing.  

Lou Chauvin, NSPCC Scotland Local Campaigns Officer, said: “It was wonderful to see so many families engage with online safety in a fun, natural way.

“By combining play and conversation, we’re helping parents and carers feel more confident talking to their children about life online—and children walk away with practical advice in a way they understand. 

“Edinburgh Zoo made for the perfect place to start our sessions in Scotland. We are incredibly grateful for their support in helping to spread this important message.” 

To find out more about the LEGO Group’s online safety activities and advice, click here, or to discover tips and guidance from the NSPCC regarding speaking to children about online safety, click here. 

Letters: NSPCC Scotland supporting National Play Day on 6th August

Dear Editor,  

We are proud to support National Play Day on Wednesday, August 6, which has the theme of ‘Spaces for Play’, highlighting the vital importance of spaces for children to play and explore.   

It’s crucial for young people to spend time connecting with their friends, and children have the right to play, as stated in the UN Convention on Rights of a Child. 

However, Play Scotland has revealed startling figures within the School Grounds in Scotland Report. 

It says 15 per cent of schools have lost outdoor space in recent years and nearly half of schools consider their grounds as ‘low utility’ for supporting learning, play, and sport. 

This Playday we are supporting calls for spaces for play that are welcoming, accessible and inclusive of children and young people of all ages and abilities.  

And we are encouraging families, carers and communities to come together through play across the generations. 

The NSPCC has a set of fun and evidence-based resources for new parents called Look, Say, Sing, Play, that provide activities to be enjoyed with babies and toddlers to help encourage higher quality interactions and build stronger bonds.  

Together we can create a more playful world where all children can grow, thrive and feel a stronger sense of belonging.  

Visit  www.nspcc.org.uk or search online for NSPCC Look Say Sing Play. 

Yours sincerely, 

Kirsty Aitken 

NSPCC Scotland Assistant Director 

NSPCC and LEGO Group host Build & Talk online safety events for families

A partnership between the UK’s leading children’s charity and the LEGO Group will continue this summer with the launch of online safety sessions in Scotland.

The NSPCC is working with the LEGO Group to deliver a series of live events to parents and children in Scotland as part of the Build & Talk campaign.

Build & Talk sessions are led by NSPCC local campaigns teams and aim to help parents and carers have open conversations with children about online safety while building with LEGO® bricks. The aim is to help make discussions about online safety natural and normal, sharing good advice and learning while playing.

Carla Malseed, NSPCC Local Campaigns Manager for Scotland, said: “It’s essential that we speak openly and honestly with children about online safety. Linking these discussions to fun, hands-on activities—like building with LEGO® bricks—makes it easier for families to engage and connect.

“Across our local events, we’re sharing important insights about gaming and safe online habits in a way that encourages conversation. These sessions also offer a relaxed space for families to come together, enjoy free activities, chat with our team, and gain practical advice for staying safe online.”

Upcoming Build & Talk events will be held in the following locations:

  • Edinburgh Zoo Family Day (Scotland), Monday, July 28, 11am-3pm (included with general zoo admission cost)
  • Fringe by the Sea, North Berwick (Scotland), Tuesday, August 5, 10.30am – 4.30pm.
  • Play Day East Ayrshire, Kilmarnock (Scotland), Wednesday, August 6, 11am-3pm.

Diana Ringe Krogh, Vice President and Head of Social Responsibility at the LEGO Group, said: “We know many parents and caregivers want to feel more confident supporting their children in the digital world, especially when it comes to gaming.

“That’s why we’re excited to bring our new Build & Talk activities to community spaces across the UK this summer with the NSPCC. These sessions are designed to spark playful, open conversations about online play – helping families have fun, connect, and explore the digital world together.”

To find out more about the LEGO Group’s online safety activities and advice, click here, or to discover tips and guidance from the NSPCC regarding speaking to children about online safety, click here.

Former teacher jailed for child sexual abuse offences

A 72-year-old man has been sentenced to nine years after pleading guilty to several non-recent sexual abuse offences at the High Court in Glasgow.
​
William Bain from Crieff offended over a 21-year-period between 1978 to 1999.

An investigation was launched in 2021 following evidence heard at the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.
​
As part of the investigation, 11 victims were identified, aged between 11 and 14. The offences occurred at various locations including Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dumbarton.
​
In October 2022, Bain was arrested by officers.

Detective Sergeant Alan Macdougall said: “Bain is a prolific sexual predator. He used his position of power to inflict pain and harm on his young victims. The scale of his offending is horrendous.
​
“I would like to commend those involved in the investigation for speaking to us. The impact of such crimes is deeply felt and long lasting and I understand how difficult it is to relive such horror.
​
“We remain committed to tackling all forms of sexual crimes, regardless of when they occurred. I would encourage anyone who has been a victim to come forward, knowing we will fully investigate and you will be supported by our specially trained officers and partner agencies.”

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “The men in this case who Bain targeted as young boys have shown incredible bravery in coming forward to give evidence and help bring him to justice. after living with the impact of his abuse for many years.

“As a teacher Bain held a position of trust, which he grossly exploited for more than two decades to sexually abuse boys in his care. 

“Child sexual abuse can have a profound and long-lasting impact on victims, and it is vital they feel able to speak out and can receive the specialist support they need to help them move forwards with their lives.”

Anyone concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 for help and advice or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

Children can contact Childline for help and support on 0800 1111 or via childline.org.uk.

NSPCC calls for all children in Scotland to have access to relationships and sex education

  • Relevant and consistent relationships and sex education is fundamental to encouraging positive behaviour and helps protect children from abuse
  • Provision of this education in Scotland is patchy and inconsistent
  • NSPCC calls for statutory duty to provide, more detailed guidance and greater prioritisation in the curriculum

The NSPCC is calling for all schools in Scotland to provide age-appropriate, consistent and relevant relationships and sex education to children and young people, as it reveals that over two-thirds of adults (67%) in Scotland believe it should be compulsory.

The YouGov survey, commissioned by the NSPCC, of over 1,000 adults across Scotland, also found that at least 90% of adults think it is important that relationships and sex education should include children and young people being taught about healthy and unhealthy friendships and relationships (90%); the types of abuse and how to seek help (94%); and online risks including risks of sending and sharing nude images of someone under the age of 18 (93%).

Despite the public backing for all schools in Scotland to teach relationships and sex education, the NSPCC has found from its campaigns work across the country that young people consider the delivery of Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) education patchy and insufficient. The charity believes that without a stronger statutory foundation, many children will miss out on vital knowledge that could protect them from harm.

NSPCC research and international studies show that consistent, relevant, inclusive and age-appropriate relationships and sex education helps children and young people:

  • Understand healthy and unhealthy relationships
  • Develop empathy, respect and responsibility in relationships
  • Recognise inappropriate behaviour and abuse
  • Speak up and seek help when something is wrong
  • Navigate online risks and pressures

There is also evidence to show it plays a crucial role in breaking down barriers and taboos, giving young people the language to express their experiences, and fosters a positive school culture, helping to tackle poor behaviour.

While RSHP is part of the health and wellbeing area of Curriculum for Excellence, local areas have discretion about what is taught and when. National guidance on RSHP is currently being redeveloped following a consultation carried out by the Scottish Government in 2023.

To ensure every child in Scotland receives appropriate, high-quality relationships and sex education, the NSPCC Scotland is calling for:

  • Statutory duty for education authorities to provide it
  • Stronger recognition of children and young people’s right to this education, and their right to be involved in its delivery, in line with the UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child
  • Clear and practical guidance for schools with examples of how RSHP should be delivered and tools to track and measure children’s learning
  • Adequate funding, professional training, time and resources for teachers to deliver effective RSHP
  • Regular monitoring and review by Education Scotland

Joanna Barrett, NSPCC Associate Head of Policy, said: “We believe it’s crucial that every child and young person in Scotland has access to high-quality, inclusive, relevant and age-appropriate RSHP education.

“It is essential to preventing abuse, and teaches young people about how to recognise healthy, unhealthy and abusive behaviours in others and themselves. However, we know from our work with young people that not all pupils in Scotland receive consistent education in this area.

“All other countries in the UK have recognised the importance of this education and have placed it on a statutory footing. It is critical that the Scottish Government shows it truly values RSHP education by upholding the rights of every child to receive it and ensuring teachers and schools are adequately resourced to deliver it.”

Bold Girls Ken, delivered in partnership with NSPCC Scotland, Perth and Kinross Council and the Young Women’s Movement, saw young women from Perthshire campaign for greater awareness of healthy relationships and consent, on and offline.

Fatima Ishaq, a participant of Young Women Know, said: “Better quality RSHP education is vital. From my experience, and so many other young people across the country, RSHP education is inconsistent and fails to reflect the diverse lived experiences of young people.

“By creating safe and non-judgemental spaces for young people to speak openly about topics like healthy relationships, we can empower them and build their knowledge and confidence.

“High quality RSHP means young people can better understand their bodies, feelings, rights and the experiences of others; reducing stigma and supporting young people to make informed choices.”

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.

Majority of parents in Scotland believe they had a safer, easier and better childhood than their children

  • 61% of parents and carers of children in Scotland aged 18 and under polled think they had safer childhoods compared to their own children, while 52% felt theirs was easier and 51% believed they had better experiences 
  • This comes at the same time as new data demonstrates that 54% of parents in Scotland want their children to play more in person. 
  • However, top barriers identified to in person play include concerns for children’s safety, the accessibility of going online, the weather, and the cost-of-living crisis.
  • The NSPCC calls on the public to play their part for children by getting involved in Childhood Day on the 6th of June.  

The majority of parents and carers of children in Scotland aged 18 and under believe their own childhood was safer (61%), easier (52%) and full of better experiences (51%) than their own children’s. 

A YouGov survey of 4,017 parents and carers – including 339 in Scotland – commissioned by the NSPCC to analyse children’s playing habits also found that 54% of participants want their children to play more in person.  

Nearly a third of parents in Scotland (31%) believe the biggest barrier to their child playing more in person is concerns over their safety. Other barriers identified include: 

  • The accessibility of going online (26%) 
  • The cost-of-living crisis, such as preventing families from being able to afford clubs (20%)  
  • Online games being more engaging (23%)  
  • Lack of friends to play with (19%)  
  • Weather (26%) 

Overall, findings across the UK showed that 38% of parents believe their child plays online every day or multiple times a day. Once children reach their teens, this increases, with 53% of parents of 12–16-year-olds saying their children within that age group play online at least once a day.   

In person play also decreases as a child ages. While 40% of total participants agreed that their children played in person once a day or more, for parents of 12–16-year-olds this decreases to just 27%, and 16% for those with 17–18-year-olds.  

As the NSPCC prepares for its fourth annual Childhood Day on Friday (June 6th) it has issued calls for families to come together and celebrate the joys of childhood, while also encouraging people to play their part to help keep children safe.  

People can get involved by donating to the NSPCC, including in Lidl stores – either at cash donation tins or in small amounts via card payment at the till, thanks to digital micro-donation system Pennies. They can also volunteer at a Childhood Day collection point or take on the NSPCC’s Childhood Day Mile.   

All the funds raised will go towards helping the NSPCC deliver vital services, like Childline which supports children at risk.  

Chris Sherwood, CEO of the NSPCC said: “It is human nature to want something better for your children, but our latest research suggests that parents today believe we are trending in the wrong direction in terms of childhood experiences.  

“Lack of in-person play for children is a particular concern for parents, something we all have a responsibility to try and address. Children and young people playing more with their friends and family, both inside and outside, can only be a good thing for their physical and mental health and general sense of wellbeing.   

“The NSPCC’s Childhood Day is all about bringing families, friends and communities together to celebrate childhood and give everyone a really fun and positive in-person experience, while at the same time seeking to raise vital funds for the charity.” 

Lidl GB is sponsoring the NSPCC’s Childhood Day for a fourth year as retail sponsor. Lidl GB has been partnered with the NSPCC for 8 years, raising over £10 million for the charity in this time.  

Lidl GB will be helping to raise awareness of Childhood Day, as well as holding its own events and activities with colleagues and customers across Great Britain to help raise vital funds.  

To find out more on how to get involved in Childhood Day including taking part in the Childhood Day Mile or volunteering at a fundraising collection, visit www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/charity-fundraising/childhood-day/