Children taught how to "speak out" about abuse

Sunday 16 September 2018

One in three children who have been sexually abused by an adult did not tell someone at the time - so charity workers are touring the island's primary schools to teach them how to "speak out, stay safe."

Last year, the NSPCC Schools Service team visited more than 8,000 schools and spoke with around 1.8 million children in the UK - 2,300 of which were in Jersey.

The NSPCC aims to visit every primary school across the Channel Islands every three years to deliver the programme. They will be delivering the sessions in the coming weeks to new faces in primary schools as well as to children who may remember Buddy from visits earlier on in their education.

'Speak Out Stay Safe' aims to teach children learn about physical, sexual and emotional abuse as well as neglect and bullying. Volunteers and staff help the children identify a trusted adult they can speak to if they have worries about themselves or a friend.

Pictured: During the assembly, volunteers help children identify trusted adults they can speak to. (Tom Hull)

The assemblies are for children aged five to 11 and tailored to the different year groups to ensure the content is age-appropriate. They teach children about safeguarding and abuse in a lively, interactive and memorable way.

Children learn about ChildLine and how the service can support them at any time of day or night and many of them go home singing the ChildLine number - 0800 1111 - which they are taught to remember through actions.

Older students in Year 5 and 6 take part in additional workshops that go into more details – looking at different scenarios and deciding whether they are 'ok' or 'not ok'. Teachers are present throughout the assemblies and workshops, which are free for all primary schools.

Pictured: The assemblies are for children aged 5-11 and tailored to the different year groups. (Tom Hull)

NSPCC research shows one in 20 children have been sexually abused. It can be a difficult subject for adults to broach with children and the charity says the assemblies help teachers to continue those conversations with their students.

Peter Frost, Schools Service Area Co-ordinator for Jersey, explained: “Our research shows that one in three children who have been sexually abused by an adult did not tell someone at the time. We’re empowering a generation of children to know about the different kinds of abuse there are and how they can talk to a trusted adult if they are concerned about themselves or a friend.

"On average two children in every classroom have suffered abuse or neglect and so it’s really important that children know who they can talk to if they’re upset or worried.”

Video: The NSPCC launched the Pants campaign last year to help parents talk to their children.

While the Schools Service helps open up the conversation for teachers to talk with children about abuse, it’s also important that parents are able to give their children the tools to protect themselves from harm. That’s why in April of this year, in conjunction with the Jersey Safeguarding Board and States of Jersey, the NSPCC launched the PANTS campaign. The NSPCC’s Underwear Rule, which includes the PANTS acronym, provides simple advice about what to say through the friendly animated dinosaur Pantosaurus. 

As part of the campaign the NSPCC has also launched a dedicated Jersey NSPCC helpline, 0808 800 5000, providing specialised advice around the clock for anyone with concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing or to ask for advice and support.

The charity hopes that their Jersey-focused approach will allow a greater level of community signposting and provide localised help quicker. The helpline is free to call from Jersey and callers can remain anonymous if they wish.

Pictured: Dame Esther Rantzen, the founder of ChildLine, recently visited the NSPCC in Jersey.

The latest efforts to protect children from abuse comes following the visit of ChildLine ambassador Dame Esther Rantzen, who was hosted by the NSPCC. During her trip, she met supporters, fundraisers and volunteers.

Jacky Moon, NSPCC Jersey Service Centre Manager, said: "Esther took a real interest in the services we run in Jersey, which includes 'Letting the Future In' - a therapeutic service that is free to access for children and young people aged four to 17 who have experienced sexual abuse. We also updated her on the wonderful progress of our 'Baby Steps' service, which is an ante-natal service that offers support and advice for people preparing for parenthood.

"As well as hearing about our Schools Service, the PANTS campaign and Helpline campaign Esther also spent time with our youth participation group United Voices, who were delighted to share details of projects they’ve been working on with Esther. It’s really important that all children and young people in Jersey know they will be listened to."