Child Protection Campaign
A new school holiday campaign being launched this week urges everyone in the Western Isles to enjoy plenty of summertime fun time with extended family and friends after months of pandemic restrictions, but to be alert for signs that the lockdown experience was anything but fun for some children.
As Western Isles schools prepare to ring the end of term bell on Friday 25th June for the holidays, Child Protection Committees Scotland and the Outer Hebrides Child Protection Committee new For Kids’ Sake… campaign encourages everyone to look out for clues that a child may have experienced harm, neglect or abuse during the pandemic.
Tam Baillie, Independent Chair of the Outer Hebrides Child Protection Committee says that while everyone is excited about having holiday fun over the summer holidays, some children will have had a very difficult time in recent months.
“Most children and young people in the Outer Hebrides are really looking forward to having sleepovers, day trips, staycations and time with grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and family friends in the school break. Sadly, some of those children will have been through a rough time during the pandemic. It’s only now that we are beginning to spend significant time with children we’ve seen very little of during lockdown months, and it’s only now that we might notice or sense that something is wrong.”
In the For Kids’ Sake… campaign, CPCScotland stresses that everyone can play a part to keep children safe. Paying attention and noticing signs that a child has been abused or neglected is critical, as is taking action to get some support for that child or children.
Tam stresses that it’s essential to do something if you’re concerned about a child’s wellbeing over the school holidays.
“We’re simply asking people in the Western Isles to be alert for clues that harm has happened. Children can take a long time to say anything if they’ve experienced abuse or neglect, but you can listen carefully, look out for signs or pay attention to signals that there’s a problem. If your gut tells you something is wrong, it’s important not to ignore it. By raising your concerns you might help something worse from happening to a child you know.”
So for kids’ sake, if you see or hear something which isn’t right, or you notice a big change in behaviour from a child, it’s always better to say something than do nothing. Tam stresses that it’s so important to raise your concerns.
“You shouldn’t ignore signs that something is wrong. Get help and support by contacting Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s social work department. Or, if you think a child is in immediate danger, call the police right away.”
For further information, or to request an interview with Tam Baillie, please contact
Gordon McKay
Tel: 01851 822762
e-Mail: GRMcKay@cne-siar.gov.uk