Nine in ten adults concerned about risk of child abuse in Scotland

Almost nine in ten adults in Scotland are concerned about the risk of abuse and neglect facing children, according to a new survey.

The poll, carried out by the NSPCC, found 87% of adults are worried about the issue, although 86% of those who expressed an opinion believe it can be prevented.

Research by Savanta, involving more than 1,000 adults across Scotland, also revealed that 54% believe risks to children are greater now than when they were growing up.

When asked to identify the biggest threats, more than a third (34%) of respondents pointed to online harms, while 27% cited poverty and a lack of basic resources.

The charity has published the findings as part of a call for political parties to work together to tackle child abuse and neglect ahead of the Scottish Parliament election in May.

It says that while Scotland has long aimed to give children the best start in life, action is often only taken in response to serious cases.

The NSPCC argues that children are being failed by fragmented early years policy, overstretched social work services, rising online harms and inconsistent access to education around healthy relationships.

The survey also explored what the public believes would help address abuse and neglect. Suggestions included better coordination between police, schools, health services and social care, alongside increased public awareness of how to spot and report abuse.

Respondents also backed improved education for children on recognising abuse, and enhanced training for teachers and frontline professionals.

Joanne Smith, NSPCC Scotland policy and public affairs manager, said: “All children have the right to a safe, happy, and healthy childhood.

“Scotland has long aspired to take a preventative approach, but we haven’t made the sustained investment or put in place the strong, lasting governance that’s needed to lead and coordinate this work and turn our shared ambition for children into reality.

“We now have the opportunity to change that. We need to build systems that identify risk early, support families before crisis, and protect children both online and offline.

“Our 5 Point Plan for Prevention offers a roadmap that the next government can implement from day one. Preventing child abuse and neglect should be a national priority, and long-term commitment, that we invest in.

“We cannot afford to fail another generation of children.”

The NSPCC’s five-point plan calls on the next Scottish Government to invest more in early years support, strengthen child protection systems and improve how agencies work together.

It also urges action to prevent child sexual abuse, better protections for children online, and making healthy relationships education mandatory in schools.

The charity is encouraging any adult concerned about a child to contact its helpline or local authorities.

Adults can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@NSPCC.org.uk, while young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit its website for support.