Child Protection Awareness
Every child has the right to grow up safe, loved, and respected. Sadly, some children experience harm in the form of abuse or neglect. Understanding what abuse is and knowing where to get help, is an important step in protecting children.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse happens when a child is deliberately hurt or injured. This can include hitting, shaking, throwing, burning, poisoning, or choking. Sometimes parents or carers may claim injuries are accidental, but frequent or unusual injuries can be a warning sign of abuse.
- Frequent or unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or fractures
- Injuries with clear patterns, such as handprints or belt marks
- Different or changing explanations for how an injury happened
- A child flinching when approached or seeming fearful of physical contact
- Reluctance to go home, or appearing unusually alert or watchful
If you’re worried a child is experiencing physical abuse, share your concerns. You can:
- Speak to the child’s teacher, nursery staff, health visitor, or GP — they all have safeguarding duties.
- Contact your local Social Work or Children’s Services and ask to speak to the duty social worker.
- Call Police Scotland on 101, or 999 in an emergency if you believe a child is in immediate danger.
- For confidential guidance, call the NSPCC Helpline (0808 800 5000). Children can contact Childline (0800 1111) for free, confidential help.
It is always better to act on a concern than to stay silent.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse happens when a child’s emotional needs are not met, or when they are constantly criticised, rejected, or made to feel worthless. It can also include witnessing domestic abuse, being controlled, or being isolated from friends and family.
- Low self-esteem or excessive self-criticism
- Being overly anxious, withdrawn, or clingy
- Delays in development, speech, or learning
- Difficulty making or keeping friends
- Extreme behaviour, such as aggression or very passive responses
If you’re concerned a child is being emotionally abused, you can:
- Talk to the child’s teacher, nursery staff, or health visitor.
- Contact Social Work or Children’s Services in your area.
- Call Police Scotland if you think the child is at immediate risk.
- Speak to a GP or NHS staff if you notice changes in a child’s health or wellbeing.
- Contact the NSPCC Helpline for advice or encourage the child to call Childline.
Children need love, security, and encouragement. If you feel something is wrong, trust your instincts and reach out for support.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is when a child is forced or persuaded to take part in sexual activities. This can involve physical contact, but it can also include non-contact activities such as being shown sexual material, being asked to send images online, or being exposed to sexual conversations.
- Sexual knowledge or behaviour inappropriate for their age
- Reluctance to be left alone with certain people
- Sudden withdrawal, anxiety, or depression
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Self-harm or risk-taking behaviour
- Unexplained gifts or money that may have been given as part of grooming
If you believe a child is at risk of sexual abuse:
- Call Police Scotland immediately if you think a child is in danger.
- Contact your local Social Work or Children’s Services team.
- Speak to the child’s school, nursery, or GP for safeguarding support.
- NHS staff, such as GPs or sexual health services, can provide urgent medical care and support.
- The NSPCC Helpline offers confidential advice to adults, and Childline supports children directly.
Sexual abuse is never the child’s fault. Acting quickly can protect them and ensure they get the support they need.
Neglect
Neglect is when a child’s basic needs for food, clothing, shelter, safety, love, and medical care are not met. It may be ongoing or occasional, but neglect always has a serious impact on a child’s health and development.
- Constant hunger, tiredness, or poor hygiene
- Inappropriate clothing for the weather (e.g. no coat in winter)
- Frequent illness or untreated medical conditions
- Poor growth, development delays, or missed school
- Being left alone or unsupervised for long periods
- Living in unsafe or unhygienic conditions
If you suspect a child is being neglected:
- Share concerns with the child’s teacher, nursery staff, health visitor, or GP.
- Contact your local Social Work or Children’s Services.
- Call Police Scotland if the child is at immediate risk of harm.
- NHS services can provide health checks and support.
- For advice, contact the NSPCC Helpline or encourage children to call Childline.
Early help for families can prevent long-term harm. Speaking up may make a life-changing difference.
Bullying & Online Harm
Bullying is a behaviour intended to hurt someone physically, emotionally, or socially. It may happen in person or online (cyberbullying).
- Reluctance to go to school or sudden drop in performance
- Unexplained injuries, damaged belongings, or missing possessions
- Avoiding devices, or alternatively, being upset after using them
- Sudden mood changes, anxiety, or loss of confidence
- Sleep problems, loss of appetite, or physical complaints (e.g. headaches, stomach aches)
If you think a child is being bullied or harmed online:
- Speak to their teacher, guidance staff, or youth worker — schools have a duty to address bullying.
- Encourage the child to talk to a trusted adult and remind them it’s not their fault.
- Report online concerns through platforms, or if urgent, to the police.
- Social Work or Children’s Services can provide additional safeguarding support.
- For advice, contact the NSPCC Helpline, and encourage children to use Childline for free, confidential support.
Bullying and online harm can have a serious impact, but with the right support, children can recover and feel safe again.
Racism
Racism happens when someone is treated unfairly, excluded, or targeted because of their race, ethnicity, culture, skin colour, language, or religion. It can take many forms: name-calling, bullying, online abuse, being left out, or even physical attacks. Children may also witness racist behaviour directed at family members or in their community, which can be deeply upsetting and harmful.
Racism is not only wrong — it is damaging to a child’s confidence, identity, and wellbeing. Every child has the right to feel proud of who they are and to be treated with dignity and respect.
- A child talking about being called names, mocked, or excluded
- Sudden reluctance to attend school or community activities
- Visible distress, withdrawal, or anxiety after being online or in public
- Loss of confidence in their cultural or ethnic identity
- Wanting to change their appearance to “fit in”
If you believe a child is experiencing racism:
- Talk to their teacher, guidance staff, or headteacher — schools must take racist incidents seriously.
- Encourage open conversations at home, reassuring children that racism is never their fault.
- Contact your local Social Work or Children’s Services if racist bullying is ongoing or linked to wider safeguarding concerns.
- Call Police Scotland on 101 (or 999 in an emergency) if the incident involves threats or physical harm.
- The NSPCC Helpline (0808 800 5000) and Childline (0800 1111) also provide support and advice.
By speaking out, you can help ensure children feel safe, valued, and respected.
Honour-Based Violence (HBV) and Harmful Practices
Honour-Based Violence (HBV) refers to harmful behaviours carried out in the name of protecting or defending “family honour.” It may include emotional abuse, threats, forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), physical harm, or even extreme violence. These actions are forms of abuse and are never justified.
Children and young people affected by HBV often experience fear, control, and isolation. They may worry about letting down their family or community, making it difficult to ask for help.
- A child expressing fear about family expectations or strict rules at home
- Sudden restrictions on freedom, such as not being allowed out with friends or to use a phone/social media
- Talk of an impending marriage or being taken abroad unexpectedly
- Truancy, sudden school absence, or a drop in performance
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or withdrawal from trusted adults
If you are concerned about HBV or harmful practices:
- Contact your local Social Work or Children’s Services immediately.
- Call Police Scotland on 101, or 999 in an emergency if a child is at immediate risk.
- Speak to a teacher, guidance staff, or health professional, who can escalate safeguarding concerns.
- The Forced Marriage Helpline (0800 141 2994) offers specialist advice and support.
- The NSPCC Helpline can also provide guidance, and children can call Childline in confidence.
It is important to act quickly if you suspect HBV or harmful practices. Early action can save lives and protect children from long-term harm.
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