Raising awareness of child-on-child abuse

Understanding child-on-child abuse

Child-on-child abuse is a serious issue that demands attention and action. It includes various forms of harm, including physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional abuse, as well as bullying and cyberbullying. The dynamics of such abuse can be complex, involving power imbalances, peer pressure, and the influence of social media. It is essential to acknowledge that children who abuse others may also be victims of abuse themselves, creating a cycle of victimisation and aggression.

Recognising the signs

Recognising the signs of child-on-child abuse is the first step toward intervention. Key indicators may include:

• Physical signs

  • Unexplained injuries, frequent fights, and evidence of physical injuries or harm.

• Emotional and behavioural signs

  • Withdrawal, depression, anxiety, sudden changes in behaviour, and a reluctance to attend school or social activities.

• Sexual abuse indicators

  • Inappropriate sexual behaviour or knowledge, changes in hygiene, and physical discomfort.

• Bullying

  • Reports of bullying, changes in social circles, and evidence of cyberbullying on digital devices.

Who does child-on-child abuse affect and how does it happen?

Child-on-child abuse can affect any young person, though certain experiences and circumstances can increase the likelihood of its occurrence. Factors that can create vulnerability include:

• Disabilities or learning needs
• Being in the care of a local authority
• Living with or having experienced domestic abuse
• Marginalisation from services or lack of trust in adults
• Experiencing significant loss, such as bereavement or moving homes

These circumstances may lead to over-reliance on peers for safety and care, which can be exploited. However, these factors do not cause abuse but rather create environments where abuse can occur. Understanding these contextual dynamics is crucial for effective intervention and prevention.

Preventing and addressing child-on-child abuse

Preventing child-on-child abuse involves creating a safe and supportive environment where abuse is not tolerated. Here are some strategies:

• Training and awareness

  • All staff in schools and childcare settings should be trained to recognise and respond to child-on-child abuse. Regular training sessions and updates on policies can help maintain a vigilant and informed staff.

• Creating a reporting culture

  • Encourage children to report any concerns they may have. Providing multiple reporting avenues, such as surveys, concern boxes, and trusted staff members, can help children feel more comfortable coming forward.

• Proactive measures

  • Schools should implement self-assessment checklists, engage students in discussions about safety, and use mapping activities to identify unsafe areas within the school. These measures help in creating a protective school environment.

• Parental involvement

  • Engage parents in discussions about child-on-child abuse and the school's policies. This can be done through surveys and meetings, ensuring that parents are aware of and support the school's efforts to combat abuse.

• Policy development

  • Schools should develop specific policies addressing child-on-child abuse and integrate them into the broader safeguarding and child protection policies. This ensures a comprehensive approach to managing and preventing abuse.

Responding to child-on-child abuse

When child-on-child abuse is suspected or identified, it is important to act swiftly and appropriately:

1. Immediate action: report any suspicions to the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) at the school. If the child is in immediate danger, contact social care and/or the police.
2. Gathering information: collect information from all parties involved to understand the situation fully. Use open-ended questions to gather facts without leading the children involved.
3. Deciding on the next steps: depending on the severity and nature of the abuse, the DSL will decide whether to report to social care, undertake an early help assessment, or manage the situation internally.

Raising awareness about child-on-child abuse is essential in creating a safer environment for our children. By understanding the signs, taking preventive measures, and knowing how to respond, we can protect children from the harmful effects of abuse. Educators, parents, and community members must work together to foster a culture of safety and support, ensuring that every child can grow and thrive free from fear and harm.

By addressing child-on-child abuse comprehensively, we can make significant strides towards safeguarding the well-being of our children and ensuring a brighter, safer future for all.

How Tes Safeguarding training can help 

Discover essential insights into child-on-child abuse with our recommended course. This course will help you understand what child-on-child abuse is, the different types of child-on-child abuse, who it may affect and what external influences there are. Following this course, you will be able to recognise early signs that might indicate abuse, know what action to take if you know or suspect that a young person is experiencing abuse, and implement preventative strategies within your setting. Upon completion, you'll earn 1.5 CPD credits and receive a personalised downloadable certificate.

Get all the safeguarding training you need 

This course is also included in our Tes Safeguarding online training package, which offers your entire school community unlimited access to over 80 expert-written courses covering safeguarding, compliance, health and safety, and wellbeing, all for one annual price.

Download our course brochure to see the full list of courses or request a free trial to see why we're voted #1 safeguarding software on EdTech Impact.

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