NSPCC: Young people can be lonely at home

At a time when children and young people are stuck at home, it is still possible for them to feel lonely.
By Letters
Published 27th Apr 2020, 11:42 BST
Updated 28th Apr 2020, 12:49 BST
Letter to the editorLetter to the editor
Letter to the editor

And because the majority of schools are closed, children are without the support network so readily available to them in a traditional classroom setting, and they may be venturing online to find solace.

New research from the NSPCC shows that lonely children who are relying more and more on social media are twice as likely to be groomed online.

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More than 2,000 young people from across the UK, aged between 11 and 17, were surveyed by the NSPCC last year, with 4% confirming they had sent, received or been asked to send sexual messages to an adult online.

This doubled to 9% for respondents with characteristics that may make them vulnerable, including loneliness, greater usage of social media, unhappiness and liking attention.

Parents and carers also have an important role to play by being aware of the online risks and having regular conversations with their child about what they are doing online.

Any adults with worries about a child’s welfare can call the NSPCC’s Helpline on 0808 800 5000.

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Margaret Gallagher, NSPCC service head of local campaigns, Belfast

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Related topics:NSPCCParentsBelfastNorthern Ireland