A leading children's charity has issued a stark safety warning, revealing that the festive season can be a period of heightened danger for many young people across the UK.
Poll Reveals Widespread Fear for Child Safety
The NSPCC today released alarming new data showing that more than three in five adults in the West Midlands believe children face an increased risk of harm, abuse, or exposure to domestic violence during the Christmas holidays. The YouGov survey of 4,259 UK adults, which included 347 from the West Midlands, also found that one in eight adults in the region had concerns for the safety of a child they knew over the festive period.
The polling identified several key factors that adults believe contribute to this increased risk for children:
- Financial pressures at home (71%)
- Substance misuse at home (67%)
- Food insecurity and/or hunger at home (64%)
- Families spending more time together (62%)
- Support services like social services and schools being closed or operating at reduced capacity (53%)
Heartbreaking Testimonies from Children
The charity's campaign highlights real accounts from children who have contacted its Childline service. Last year, thousands of young people from across the UK reached out with concerns about abuse during the winter months.
One 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?”
Another 16-year-old child shared: “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’ve locked myself in my room with my sister for now; when mum’s done with dad, she might blow up on us next.”
Charity Calls for Vigilance and Support
Chris Sherwood, CEO of the NSPCC, said: "This new polling 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 some."
He added: "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."
Most respondents to the survey said the most effective way to protect children was for adults to be aware of the warning signs of abuse and neglect, and to ensure children knew who to contact for support.
The NSPCC urges any adults concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing to contact its Helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk or by calling 0808 800 5000.
