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News from NSPCC Learning


Why language matters: how referring to online ‘friends’ can mask safeguarding concerns

Type: Why language matters blog

It’s essential for professionals to remain curious when children refer to people they meet online as their ‘friends'.

Apr 04 2024

Why language matters: why we should avoid the term ‘victim’ when talking about children who have experienced abuse

Type: Why language matters blog

The term 'victim' comes with implications and assumptions that can affect the way we perceive and safeguard children, and the way children perceive themselves.

Jan 26 2024

Why language matters: why we shouldn’t talk about the ‘risky behaviour’ of young people experiencing abuse

Type: Why language matters blog

A professional focus on risk-taking behaviour can imply that the young person has a level of responsibility for abuse and exploitation – when in fact abuse is never a young person’s fault.

Nov 24 2023

Why language matters: using ‘non-accidental head injury’ and not ‘shaken baby syndrome’

Type: Why language matters blog

Exploring the history, impact and implications for practice around the term ‘shaken baby syndrome’ and the alternatives professionals can use.

Sept 22 2023

Why language matters: what is meant by ‘early help’

Type: Why language matters blog

Explores the use of the terms ‘early help’ and ‘early intervention’ in England and discusses the impact of conflating the two terms on the provision of support.

Aug 22 2023

Why language matters: how the label ‘older boyfriend’ can mask child sexual exploitation

Type: Why language matters blog

Discusses the problems with the term ‘older boyfriend’ and prompts professionals to recognise the links to grooming and child sexual exploitation.

Jun 20 2023

Why language matters: why you should avoid labelling allegations as ‘malicious’

Type: Why language matters blog

Blog exploring the risks around labelling an allegation as malicious before properly assessing the situation. 

May 23 2023
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