Safeguarding in Covid Lockdown
Increased risks for many children and young people
For children living with abusive or neglectful parents, social isolation may create a significantly riskier
environment. Stresses associated with the consequences of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis may
well make physical and emotional abuse more likely.
For many children living in these circumstances, school and sports activities represented safe places
and environments where trusted adults could provide support, monitor their wellbeing, and respond
to any worrying indicators. In lockdown, these protective eyes and ears, and other community based
supports, have been largely negated, leaving some children more vulnerable.
Increased online activity by children also increases risks associated with abusive adults and young
people operating through social networks and related sites. Mental well-being of young people continues to be a concern during the national pandemic. Please see below for a list of local and national support services available to children.
Protection of Children during the Coronavirus Pandemic –
https://www.unicef.org/media/65991/file/Technical%20note:%20Protection%20of%20children%20d
uring%20the%20coronavirus%20disease%202019%20(COVID-19)%20pandemic.pdf
CPSU Remote teaching and coaching -
https://thecpsu.org.uk/resource-library/best-practice/remote-teaching-and-coaching/
CPSU Online safety -
https://thecpsu.org.uk/help-advice/topics/online-safety/
Childline -
childline.org.uk
Call free on 0800 1111 to have a 1-2-1 chat with a Childline counsellor. Whatever you say stays
between you and Childline and the call will not appear on your phone bill if you are calling from a UK
mobile or landline.
You can also email Childline by signing up through the website: www.childline.org/registration.
You do not have to give your email address or real name.
Young minds -
youngminds.org.uk/
Text the YoungMinds Crisis Messenger, for free 24/7 support across the UK if you are experiencing a
mental health crisis.
• If you need urgent help text YM to 85258
• Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile
and Telecom Plus
Parents / carers can call the Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday 9.30am–4pm). Free
for mobiles and landlines.
Kidscape -
kidscape.org.uk/
Phone: 020 7730 3300
Email: info@kidscape.org.uk
Parent Advice Line: 0207 823 5430 (Monday – Wednesday 9.30am–2.30pm)