THE growing number of child cruelty cases may be "tip of the iceberg", a teaching union has warned.
The Ulster Teachers’ Union (UTU) has called for increased help for children they believe may be in crisis - and the teachers supporting them.
It comes after PSNI statistics reveal the number of reported child cruelty and neglect offences in the north has increased by a third in a year.
Figures show there were 681 such offences reported in 2021/22 - up from 506 in the previous year.
Of the 681 incidents, 255 involved a child aged six or younger, 253 were linked to a child aged six to 10 and 173 involved a child aged between 11 and 15.
Jacquie White, general secretary of the UTU, said it was "one of the worst statistics in the UK" in relation to child cruelty and neglect.
"What we’re seeing now is the whiplash effect of the lockdowns during Covid when teachers no longer had eyes on children through daily contact so as to spot any signs," she said.
"It beggars belief that in 2022, when we believe ourselves to be living in a apparently sophisticated civilisation, that incidents like these not only exist but are increasing.
"Even before the release of these statistics, from when pupils first returned to school after lockdown, teachers and charities which were warning of the fall-out. Now it’s manifest."
Ms White said that more measures are needed in schools to ensure that fears for a child "in danger can be supported and acted upon".
"Whilst these statistics are completely unacceptable, they at least are the cases the PSNI knows about," she added.
"Many more cases go undetected.
"Unless abuse, cruelty and neglect are called out they will continue.
"As the people who probably spend most time with children and young people outside their family, it is often the teacher who’s first to notice something amiss.
"Already many spend hours with social services supporting those children and their families if interventions are required, but if more children are to be saved from these unacceptable situations then teachers need adequately funded training and support.
"This is especially important given the situation many families are in with parents perhaps struggling financially and mentally as a result of the last two years - and set to struggle more as the cost of living soars.
"This is potentially the tip of the iceberg.
"A sophisticated society cannot say it was unprepared. The signs are all there for action to be taken now.
"Teachers need to know there are structures in place so their observations on a child they fear may be in danger can be supported and acted upon."
