Sadly, home is not a place of safety for everyone and throughout the pandemic, East Dunbartonshire's Child Protection Team has been part of a nationwide social media campaign to raise awareness of what to do if you have concerns for the welfare of a child/young person.
They have also been working with schools to remind pupils that there is always someone to turn to if they don't feel safe and that they should never feel alone.
At the end of last year, primary schools across the area were invited to create a superhero to help spread that message to youngsters. Their child protection mascot could be whatever they liked so long as it was kind, listens to your worries and helps you to talk if you're scared, sad, angry or hurting.
The topic gave teachers an opportunity to raise child protection issues with their class, reinforce key messages, share relevant contact details and open up discussions. Pupils were also given an information leaflet to take home.
Skye, a P6 pupil at Lairdsland Primary in Kirkintilloch, had the winning design. She created a character called Safety Sam and showed them telling children to call 999 if they are in immediate danger or 0141 777 3000.
Skye
Safety Sam will now be used by the Child Protection Team in marketing materials to be distributed among children and young people in schools across East Dunbartonshire.
Skye said, "It was good to know that any child who feels unsafe at home or in any situation can make a call, tell someone about it and get help. We had a good chat in class. I think Safety Sam looks cheery and approachable so I hope my drawing gets the message across well to anyone who needs help."
Joint Council Leader, Vaughan Moody said, "With various restrictions and lockdowns in place as a result of the pandemic, child protection has been a concern. Through social media we have encouraged people to act if they have concerns about a child's welfare as it is always better to say something than do nothing. It is important too, that children and young people know what help is available to them if they are not able to speak to a trusted adult and this activity with schools is a great way to do that."
Joint Council Leader, Andrew Polson added, "Congratulations to Skye on her Safety Sam idea and brilliantly colourful design which is a worthy winner. My thanks to all the schools who took part and in so doing were able to have important discussions with children about the support that is available. We must do all we can to make sure young people feel empowered to reach out for help with confidence that there are people who will listen."
Well done to the three runners-up who were:
- Abby from Mosshead PS in Bearsden with 'Captain Kind'
- Alice from Westerton PS in Bearsden with ' Trusty Tiger'
- Jack from St Nicholas' PS in Bearsden with 'Donut Man'
Abby
Alice
Jack
A reminder to anyone who is worried about something they have seen or heard that could mean a child or young person is being abused or neglected. Say something! You can call 0141 777 3000 during office hours or 0300 343 1505 (out of hours). You can call the Police on 101 at any time.