Preventing child sexual abuse: the role of schools

The Children’s Commissioner for England has published a report looking into the current provision of education programmes related to the prevention of child sexual abuse in schools in England. Findings from 1,093 primary and secondary schools who responded to an online survey of head teachers show that: around half of primary schools reported that they teach topics related to sexual exploitation and abuse, compared to almost 90% of secondary schools; more than a third of primary schools and 15% of secondary schools do not hold specific sessions with pupils to allow them to raise concerns; 34% of primary schools and 16% of secondary schools do not have a confidential/secure place where pupils can disclose abuse; 20% of primary schools and 12% of secondary schools  do not have a designated person that pupils can go to if they have a concern.

Source: Children’s Commissioner for England  Date: 19 April 2017

Further information: Preventing child sexual abuse: the role of schools (PDF)

Survey reveals concerns over mental health

Teenage mental health charity stem4 has reported findings from a poll of 500 12-to-16 year olds looking at mental health problems. Findings include: 79% of young people surveyed have reported feelings associated with poor mental health since starting secondary school; exam worries (41%), work overload (31%) and friendship concerns (28%) were the top anxieties recorded. A survey of parents found that: 35 % fear that poor mental health will leave their children unable to enjoy their teenage years; and 28% felt their children were liable to suffer from poor mental health as adults if they do not benefit from suitable support sooner rather than later.

Source: stem4  Date: 27 March 2017

Further information: Guardian

.

Childhood neglect and abuse: evidence review

The Department for Education (DfE) has published an evidence review examining the effects of abuse and neglect on children, and whether different placement types affect their outcomes. Findings from the review of UK research from 2000 to 2016 includes: neglect is the most prevalent form of maltreatment; providing earlier, effective and holistic support to parents, whilst keeping the child’s welfare in mind, can reduce the risk of maltreatment; the age of the child at entry to care has been consistently found to be associated with the stability of placements and children’s well-being; positive changes to the caregiving environment can help children to recover from their experiences of maltreatment; children and young people may also need specialist therapeutic support to help them recover from adverse impacts of maltreatment and to make sense of their experiences.

Source: DfE  Date: 27 March 2017

Further information: The impacts of abuse and neglect on children; and comparison of different placement options: evidence review (PDF)

.

Children’s social work statistics: Scotland

The Scottish Government has published Children’s social work statistics for the period 2015-16. Figures show that at 31 July 2016 there were 2,723 children on the child protection register and 15,317 looked after children; 691 of these children were both looked after and on the child protection register. The number of children on a child protection register and looked after children have both decreased by 1% since 2014/15.

Source: Scottish Government  Date: 28 March 2017

Further information: Children’s social work statistics: Scotland, 2015-16 (PDF)

Child sexual exploitation offences in Greater Manchester

Ann Coffey MP has published a report looking at child sexual exploitation in the Greater Manchester area. Figures from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) show: there were 714 recorded sexual offences that were flagged for child sexual exploitation (CSE) in 2016, compared with 146 in 2013; and a survey of 2,452 Year 10 children in the area found that 12% of 14-year-olds reported sending a sext message or image, while 22% said they had received one.

Source: Guardian  Date: 30 March 2017

Further information: Real voices- are they being heard? (PDF)

Too many children are suffering in silence – it’s time to start speaking to them about mental health

Too many children are suffering in silence – it’s time to start speaking to them about mental health

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/mental-health-children-sex-education-compulsory-teaching-a7662736.html

The National Children’s Bureau (NCB) carried out this research to voice the experiences of children missing out on an education. A Freedom of Information request by the BBC found that 33,262 children were recorded as missing education in the academic year 2014-15. This is based on the narrow statutory definition of children missing education, but our research suggests the real number of children who are not being educated may be significantly higher. The Government does not collect national-level data, meaning the scale of the problem is unknown.

source: National Childrens Bureau

.