Most adults believe risk of children being harmed rises at Christmas – research

Two-thirds of adults in Northern Ireland believe the risk of children being harmed or abused increases over Christmas

An NSPCC poll also reveals one in seven respondents from Northern Ireland have been worried during the holidays for the safety of a child known to them.

It found that two-thirds of adults in the region believe children face an increased risk of harm or abuse (66%) and exposure to domestic violence (72%) during the Christmas holidays.

The YouGov survey of 4,259 UK adults, which includes 204 from Northern Ireland, 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 said financial pressures, substance misuse at home, food insecurity, families spending more time together and support services such a schools being closed.

Childline has launched a new hard-hitting campaign, supported by actress Natalie Dormer to raise awareness of how Christmas can be the most dangerous time of year for some children.

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

Dormer, who is the NSPCC’s ambassador for Childline, said the findings shine a light on an uncomfortable truth that many people do not want to confront during the festive season.

“While most of us are excited about Christmas, for a disturbing amount of some children it represents a time of uncertainty and fear,” she said.

“The campaign film, based on a real survivor’s story, powerfully captures that 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 reminds young people that Childline will be there for them to across the festive period.”

Chris Sherwood, chief executive 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.

“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.

Young people can contact Childline 24/7 by phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website.