NSPCC desperate to get their message out

A children’s charity is reminding parents and carers not to leave young people home alone during the summer holidays.

Last August the NSPCC’s helpline made referrals involving 849 children to police and social services due to concerns about them being left unsupervised by their parent or carer.

A third of these were aged five and under.

The NSPCC has warned that although a child may seem responsible enough to be left alone without supervision, parents and carers should think carefully whether they would be able to cope with unexpected situations such as an emergency, a stranger calling at the house, being hungry or if the parent is away for longer than anticipated.

The charity is also encouraging parents to read its home alone guide which includes questions they should ask themselves and their children before deciding to leave a child unsupervised.

Jayne Laidlaw ,Childline service manager, added:“Sadly, school holidays don’t bring summer fun for everyone.

“With schools closed over the holidays and contact with friendship groups reduced, children and young people need to know that Childline is never closed. We are here for all of Scotland’s children and young people every day of the year no matter how big or small their worries may seem.

“In July and August last year 2,104 children contacting us from Scotland were counselled by our highly trained team of volunteers on a variety of concerns.”