Safeguarding: The reality of Christmas for vulnerable children
Vulnerable children living in challenging or unsafe environments often experience Christmas as a time of loneliness, anxiety, and harm. Instead of comfort and celebration, they face struggles only magnified during the festive season.
The Pressure of Expectations
The holiday season often brings heightened expectations to “have a good time,” fuelled by idealised images of perfect families around beautifully set tables. Yet the reality is rarely picture-perfect. Family relationships can be strained, distant, or even unsafe.
For vulnerable children, spending more time at home can mean being exposed to abusive adults, chaotic lives, or neglectful behaviour. It’s a time when safeguarding risks increase, and schools—key sources of support—are closed. Every December, safeguarding services report a rise in cases, and organisations like the NSPCC see increased calls from children in distress.
The Children’s Rights Alliance for England reports that domestic abuse peaks during the holidays, with children often exposed to harm from relatives or close family friends.
Key safeguarding issues at Christmas
1. Isolation
When schools close for the holidays, vulnerable children lose access to trusted adults, teachers, and friends. This can deepen feelings of loneliness and leave them trapped in difficult situations, unable to escape abusive or neglectful environments. Cold weather and long nights can worsen this isolation, increasing anxiety and depression.
2. Overindulgence and family stress
The pressures of excess—overeating, drinking, and emotional tension—can create a volatile atmosphere at home. Alcohol misuse, drug use, and arguments are more likely to escalate, and children often find themselves in the line of fire. For some, there is no refuge from aggressive or violent family members.
3. Neglect and being left alone
While many issues arise from family conflict, the opposite can also happen: children are left unsupervised for long periods, sometimes overnight, as adults seek entertainment outside the home. This puts children at risk of harm or injury, especially if they are left to care for themselves or younger siblings.
Action for Children describes neglect as “robbing children of their childhood,” leaving them unsafe, unloved, and uncared for.
4. Financial pressures
Christmas places enormous financial strain on families, which can leave children feeling inadequate when they compare their situation to others. For families experiencing poverty, the inability to provide gifts or festive cheer can be overwhelming. Children may even blame themselves, believing they’ve been placed on a “naughty list.”
Tip: Encourage parents not to attribute expensive gifts to Santa, as children may question why others receive costly presents while they do not.
5. Family disputes and access arrangements
For children of separated parents, Christmas can be especially distressing. Arguments over access arrangements, disagreements about ground rules, or controlling step-relatives can cause conflict and anxiety.
6. Outside influences
When children are away from the structured environment of school, they can be more vulnerable to outside risks, such as:
- Exploitation by criminal gangs
- Online predators
- Child trafficking
- Radicalisation
Holiday periods are a time when safeguarding gaps can be exploited.
7. Technology and online safety
Devices like tablets, smartphones, and gaming consoles are common gifts but come with risks. Parents must set up safety features in advance to protect children online.
Tip: The Safer Internet Centre offers guidance on device-specific safety settings, and resources like Childnet International provide tools for creating family agreements around technology use.
8. Mental health
Children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as domestic violence, substance misuse, or neglect, are particularly vulnerable during the holidays. Research from Mind highlights the mental health pressures of Christmas, including increased self-harm and suicidal feelings in both adults and young people.
9. Accidents in the home
With the hustle and bustle of preparing festive meals, children are at higher risk of kitchen accidents like burns and scalds. Parents should also ensure alcoholic drinks are not left within reach, as even small amounts can harm young children.
While Christmas can be a time of joy and connection, we must recognise the darker side of the season and remain vigilant in safeguarding children.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. If you suspect or witness signs of abuse, neglect, or harm, take action by seeking help from social services, safeguarding teams, or the police.
As outlined in Article 3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the best interests of children must always come first. Every child has the right to protection, safety, and the opportunity to thrive—at Christmas and beyond.
Let’s work together to ensure that no child feels alone, unheard, or unsafe this holiday season.
How Tes can help schools safeguard children
At Tes, we’re committed to supporting schools in safeguarding every child, even during challenging times like the holidays.
Tes Safeguarding Training
Our flexible online courses equip staff with the knowledge and skills to identify risks and protect children. With over 80 courses covering safeguarding, compliance, health and safety, and wellbeing, your team will be prepared to support every child.
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Tes MyConcern
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