A DRAMATIC rise in child welfare referrals from a charity helpline to police and social services during the pandemic have been revealed.
Concerns about the impact of domestic abuse, parental mental health and alcohol abuse resulted in almost 1,200 NSPCC referrals to external agencies in Northern Ireland last year - a 72 per cent rise on the 2019/20 figure.
With schools re-opening, the child protection charity has warned the "hidden harm" experienced during lockdown will now become more visible and is calling on government to ensure that its exit plans go beyond educational support in the classroom.
Natalie Whelehan, NSPCC policy and public affairs manager, said there needs to be a long-term strategy for those most at risk.
"We are calling on the Northern Ireland Executive and the Department of Health to provide the resources needed by children's services to enable them to identify and support children who have experienced trauma during lockdown and ensure that adequate support services are available to provide the help they need," she said.
Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC chief executive, added: "We’ve been hearing first-hand about the immense pressures families have faced during the pandemic and the heavy toll that has taken on children and young people. For some children, this has included experiencing abuse, bereavement and other harm.
"The record number of contacts to our helpline reinforces the need for governments across the UK to put children at the heart of their recovery plans. These must go beyond education and address the harm some have experienced so the pandemic doesn't leave a legacy of trauma for children."
The charity is holding a 'Childhood Day' on June to celebrate childhood.
