Save Lives — Spot it, Report it, Stop it…
Safeguarding Children at the pre-school level
Abuse is devastating at any age; whether it be emotional, physical, sexual, or abuse due to neglect. At a preschool level when a child is innocent and just starting in life, it can be even more destructive. These angels have the whole life in front of them and if they are not protected, they can be left with unhealable wounds for the rest of their lives. Abuse at such a tender age can lead to negative effects on a child’s health, relationships, and education.
As adults, such children may find it harder to cope with life’s stresses, get a good job, or be a good parent. These individuals may become more prone to mental health problems, social issues, and even criminal behaviour.
Most developed countries have laws regarding child safeguarding but as individuals and as societies we all need to play a part, watching out for vulnerable children in our society.
Child protection and safeguarding
In simple words, child protection and safeguarding mean to protect children from any harm by keeping an eye on their health and development. It is to make sure that children grow in circumstances that are safe and beneficial for them. It is to take action for all children to have the best outcomes in their lives.
The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) estimated that one in five adults aged 18 to 74 years experienced at least one form of child abuse, whether emotional, physical, sexual, or witnessing domestic violence, before the age of 16 years.
This can be spotted and stopped at the preschool level, at this early age when the child steps out of their home there should be people on the guard for the toddlers in our society to be protected and to have a better childhood leading to best chances of nourishment and growth.
All preschool staff must understand their safeguarding policy and procedures They should know exactly what to do in any given situation where a child’s safety and welfare may be at risk.
Some causes of abuse
Severe cases of problems such as poverty, drug or alcohol addiction or mental health issues can overload people's capacity to care for their children and can lead to a child being abused or neglected.
These difficult circumstances may lead to abuse, but this in no way can or should be excused. As these circumstances do make it more likely to happen, by giving families the right support at the right time, from counseling or good foster care to a helping hand from a neighbor or a friend the abuse can be prevented.
If these problems are detected at the early stages we have more chances of protecting the susceptible children before some real harm happens.
Safeguarding at preschool
Safeguarding children at preschool is to protect children from any forms of abuse at home and within the setting itself. It is crucial for preschool staff to identify the signs of abuse and to be able to deal promptly with the situation in a way that will not cause any further problems for the poor child.
As a practitioner one needs to be alert to the signs and symptoms of abuse and how to respond to them in the most effective manner. Preschools need to report safeguarding concerns and to escalate concerns if necessary. It is their responsibility to ensure concerns are raised and responded to appropriately.
Difficulties in safeguarding preschool children
Safeguarding preschool children has its limitations because these children are too young to express themselves or to explain the extent of the abuse they are going through. At times these poor souls are not even aware of what is happening to them and how to handle the situation. They don’t know who to turn to or trust.
Signs to watch out for
The signs of child abuse aren’t always obvious, and a child might not feel able to tell anyone
Some common signs too look out for are,
1. unexplained changes in behavior or personality
2. becoming withdrawn
3. seeming anxious
4. becoming uncharacteristically aggressive
5. lacks social skills and has few friends, if any
6. poor bond or relationship with a parent
7. knowledge of adult issues inappropriate for their age
8. running away or going missing
These signs don’t necessarily mean that a child is being abused, there could be other things happening in their life which are affecting their behavior.
As a staff member of preschool, neighbors, friends, or family we all should look out for children who might be going through any kind of abuse so this crime can be stopped as early as possible. Thus preventing innocent lives from being harmed.
Relevant individuals and organizations should be approached who can look into the matter and make appropriate life-saving decisions.
References
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/effects-of-child-abuse/
https://www.eyalliance.org.uk/safeguarding-early-years
Sumera Rizwan is a Mother and a Computer Science Graduate. She lives in Derby UK. She is passionate about expressing her self through her stories. She talks from her heart and aims to touch the hearts of her readers.