Together for Childhood is an evidence-informed place-based approach, bringing local partners and families together to make communities safer for children. As part of this, Together for Childhood works with children and young people to educate them about what child abuse is and where they can go for help and support if they need it.
The research used surveys and focus groups with young people aged 12–14 from the four Together for Childhood sites in Grimsby, Glasgow, Plymouth and Stoke-on-Trent to find out what they know, think, and would do about child abuse. The aim was to hear what they had to say and to explore how that learning could be used to benefit other young people.
The surveys collected data from 1,325 young people across seven schools. The focus groups were made up of 42 young people across five schools and one youth group. These groups helped us to understand more about young people’s perspectives on child abuse.
The main report sets out the overarching results of the research across all four sites. To highlight local learning, four local research briefs have been created to summarise key findings specific to each site. An animation has also been developed to share the messages with young people in an appropriate and meaningful way.
Authors: Alice Dutton and Kandazi Sisya
Young people know more about physical, sexual and online abuse than other forms of child abuse and neglect
Young people reported that they had enough knowledge about physical abuse, sexual abuse and online abuse. But they were less knowledgeable about emotional abuse, domestic abuse, neglect and how to spot the signs of an abusive relationship.
Young people sometimes think they are to blame for child abuse
Although young people are never to blame for child abuse, the research indicated that young people sometimes felt a sense of responsibility for some forms of child abuse and neglect. This can lead to victim blaming and shame, which may act as a barrier to sharing concerns.
Young people’s responses to child abuse varied depending on the context and type of abuse
Young people were more likely to share a concern about sexual abuse than one related to other forms of child abuse or neglect. Children also reported being more likely to seek help when there is a risk of physical harm than when there is a risk of emotional harm.
Young people face challenges when seeking help about abuse and related topics
Young people are most likely to share concerns with a parent or carer, another adult family member, or a friend. However, some young people may not seek help and support about child abuse as they have worries about not being believed, not having enough proof about what happened and are afraid of what might happen after sharing concerns.
Using a common language
Adults should consider how they describe and define child abuse when talking to young people and should work to develop an agreed common language with them.
Working to understand beliefs around abuse and prevention
Young people’s personal beliefs and social norms may influence how they view potentially harmful situations and respond to abuse. Adults and professionals need to understand what underpins these beliefs and social norms as this is important for creating sustainable shifts in society.
Supporting parents and carers, family, and friends
Parents and carers, other family members and friends should be supported to make sure they have the skills and confidence to respond appropriately when young people share concerns.
Please cite as: Dutton, A. and Sisya, K. (2024) Exploring what young people in Together for Childhood know, think, and do about child abuse. London: NSPCC.
A short animation for young people outlining the key findings the research.
One-page summaries of the key findings specific to each of the four Together for Childhood sites.
Learn more about Together for Childhood, an innovative, evidence-informed approach to bring local partners and families together to prevent abuse.
Discover how the NSPCC's Together for Childhood (TfC) programme works alongside local communities to prevent child abuse and neglect. The discussion draws on practice examples of how TfC has made a difference for local communities.
Childline is the UK’s free, 24-hour service for children and young people. Run by the NSPCC, Childline gives children and young people up to the age of 19 confidential support with whatever is worrying them.
