Cyber-bullying up by 88% in 5 years

The number of children and young people contacting Childline about cyber-bullying has risen to 4,541 in 2015/16, compared to 2,410 in 2011/12 – a rise of 88%. Research from the NSPCC has found that children as young as seven are being tormented by hurtful messages from which they feel there is no escape. Comments posted on social media, blogs and online pictures range from bullying about looks to death threats. Nearly a third of these Childline counselling sessions were with children and young people experiencing bullying on a gaming or a social networking site.


New guidance: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – safeguarding in schools, colleges and other providers

The Department for Education has issued guidance for schools and colleges around safeguarding children during the Coronavirus pandemic. The guidance supports …

Mockingbird programme to support foster families extended further

The Mockingbird Family Model, delivered by The Fostering Network, centres on a constellation where one foster home acts as a …

Children as young as seven drawn into county line gangs

A report by The Children’s Society has found that children as young as seven are being exploited by county line …