As Highland schools prepare to ring the end of term bell on 25th June for the holidays, Child Protection Committees Scotland’s 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.

Mhairi Grant, chair of Highland 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.

She said: “Most children and young people in Highland 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.

The Highland Child Protection Committee is urging people to do something if they are concerned about a child’s wellbeing over the school holidays.

The committee said: “We’re simply asking people in Highland 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, CPCScotland say that it’s always better to say something than do nothing.

“You shouldn’t ignore signs that something is wrong. Get help and support by visiting www.hcpc.scot for details of your local Social Work team. Or, if you think a child is in immediate danger, call the police right away.”