Since lockdown began, most children have spent more time at home and aren’t being seen as often, nor by as many people, as usual.

Some children will be spending more time online as a result – putting them at greater risk of online grooming and abuse.

There is also a greater risk of neglect and/or domestic, physical, emotional and sexual abuse in the home, and fewer chances for neighbours, grandparents, teachers or others to spot these signs.

What to look out for:

• You hear aggressive or repeated shouting
• You hear hitting or things being broken
• Children are crying for long periods of time
• You notice very young children being left alone or outdoors by themselves
• Children looking dirty or not changing their clothes
• Children becoming withdrawn or anxious

We all have a responsibility to keep children safe.

If you’re worried about a child or something doesn’t feel right, tell us. You could help to keep a child safe.

Call Islington’s Children’s Social Care team on 020 7527 7400 for a confidential conversation.