NSPCC wants children to be ‘In the Know' about abuse
| Published: 4th June 2007 20:24 |
A new educational booklet to help children keep themselves safe is being offered to 331 schools in Derbyshire as part of the NSPCC's Don't Hide It campaign.
In the Know is aimed at children aged 8 to 11 and uses colourful illustrations, quizzes and cartoon strips to help tackle the difficult subject of child abuse.
NSPCC children's participation officer Serena de Cordova said: "We consulted children across eight separate focus groups to develop a product which was just right for young people. We used exercises, role-plays and storyboards to find out what young people felt was important to include and how best to make it accessible to 8 to 11-year-olds."
One in five children counselled by ChildLine last year who gave their age were between eight and 11 years old - more than 25,000 young people. Of these, 38 per cent called about bullying and 20 per cent called because they were suffering abuse or neglect.
The booklet reinforces the NSPCC's Don't Hide It messages, encouraging children to find someone to turn to if they are experiencing violence or abuse. It also provides information about sources of support, including helpline numbers. Sample copies of the booklet are being circulated to schools across the UK with the opportunity to order free class sets as needed.
Don't Hide It 2007 is a youth-focused campaign which aims to empower young people to speak out if they are experiencing violence or abuse.
It urges children worried about abuse to phone ChildLine on 0800 1111 or visit a special website http://www.donthideit.com/ for more advice and information. The NSPCC is also urging young people to speak to someone they trust - a parent, carer, relative, friend, teacher or friend's parent.
Don't Hide It is part of the NSPCC's FULL STOP Campaign to end cruelty to children. It will use Hip Hop, heavy rock and other aspects of youth culture to reach millions of 11-16 year-olds through teen magazines, viral ads, booklets and radio programmes. This will be supported by radio and online promotional support.
Last year over one million children contacted the NSPCC after it encouraged them to speak out sexual abuse.
