- 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.