We reviewed research evidence to assess how likely it is that the conditions caused by the coronavirus pandemic are heightening the risk of child abuse in the UK.
We looked at data from the NSPCC helpline and Childline, to see what people have been saying to us since the lockdown began. We also examined case studies collected from practitioners working in our service centres, about the impact of coronavirus on the children and families they were supporting.
By understanding the scale and the risks brought by lockdown we can begin to think about how to mitigate them and ensure children are kept safe while at home, online and as restrictions start to ease.
We researched the risks children might be facing and the reasons why these might intensify during the pandemic. Our findings fall into three broad categories.
We recommend a national and local response from governments and statutory agencies which includes practical steps such as:
Please cite as: Eleni Romanou and Emma Belton. (2020) Isolated and struggling: social isolation and the risk of child maltreatment, in lockdown and beyond. London: NSPCC.
This insight briefing uses insight from NSPCC helpline contacts and Childline counselling sessions to highlight the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people during the coronavirus pandemic.
This insight briefing uses insight from NSPCC helpline contacts and Childline counselling sessions to highlight the impact of sexual abuse on children and young people during the coronavirus pandemic.
What have children and adults told the NSPCC helpline and Childline about physical abuse during the coronavirus pandemic? See our insight briefing for a breakdown of the key themes.
Find out about the different types of child abuse, how to recognise the signs in children and young people and how you can work with children, parents and carers to prevent and respond to concerns.
Find out how the child protection works in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales as well as information on multi-agency working, case reviews, children and young people's children's rights and a list of key dates and terminology.
Access our wide range of safeguarding resources including guidance on managing allegations of abuse, photography and sharing images and writing a safeguarding policy.