Summer Break, Silent Struggles

Summer Break, Silent Struggles: major increase in callers reporting physical and sexual abuse 

The hidden dangers faced by children over the summer, including isolation, neglect and sexual and physical abuse 

The Childline team are experiencing a significant increase in contacts now that the summer holidays are officially in full swing. The longer days and the break from the routine of school life has led to an increased risk of isolation, exposure to danger online, abuse and neglect. 

The end of the academic year means that many children will lose connection with their friends from school and the support of the teachers around them.  At school, they can be themselves without fearing the consequences. Consequences that include domestic violence, abuse, neglect and social isolation.

Childline staff and volunteers report that sexual abuse contacts have increased by 10% during the summer holidays, while reports of physical abuse have risen by 24% at the same time. There have been over 100 contacts for both sexual and physical abuse during the summer holidays.

Others who contact Childline also reveal concerns about food poverty, social isolation and financial issues.

Many of these children dread the summer and count the days to go back to school.

Abby*, a teenager, said that she hates being at home with her single mother who is an addict. She has become increasingly anxious as the summer term went on. School is a salvation for her, a place to escape for a few hours from the chaos of her home life and the constant male callers. It’s also a place where she gets regular meals and she knows that her teachers are looking out for her.

Jack*, whose parents have separated, dreads going on holidays with his mother’s new partner. He lives in fear that he will lose his temper and hit out at Jack and his younger sister.

For Jennifer*, the thought of months without her friends is devastating. She lives in the heart of rural Ireland and loves school and hates the isolation of her home. She is worried that her friends will move on without her and she’ll lose them.

Elizabeth Donlon Fox, National Childline Listening Coordinator, hears similar stories on a daily basis: “The lives of children and young people can be destroyed during what are meant to be happy, carefree summer days. Instead of enjoying the summer holidays, some children are living with isolation, fear, and neglect. It is horrifying to hear what so many children and young people have to endure. I was heartbroken when talking to Finn* who confided in me about the toll his emotionally abusive family takes on him. He says that he hates being at home. Unfortunately for many like Finn* summer is a time of heartbreak and not happiness.”

In order to continue to be there for every child who needs us, Childline needs your help. Donations to Childline can be the shield that protects them, the voice that listens, and the hand that holds theirs in the darkest times.

ISPCC offers support to children and young people at childline.ie and at 1 800 66 66 66. 

*Names have been changed

The Childline guide to a healthier, happier summer

Summertime and the livin’ is easy… well, that’s the plan but, for many children and their parents, the thought of the long weeks of the holidays without the safety net of the school regime can be daunting.

At Childline, we know that children and young people can feel anxious during the summer. They miss their usual routine, their friends and, sometimes, the safety and structure of school.

Parents tell us they are worried about keeping their children entertained for such a long amount of time on a budget. They can be concerned about older siblings minding younger ones, children being lonely or being in potentially unsafe situations when they play outside or online.

Work through some scenarios, suggests ISPCC Clinical Lead Bree O’Neill, and that way both parents and children will be more prepared for whatever challenges the summer may bring.

It is a different dynamic over the summer and parents need to gear themselves up for that. Think of the family and consider what each person might need – the aim is to try to ensure everyone’s needs are met and everyone’s limits are accepted.

Don’t judge yourself, says Bree. Chances are your children will have more treats and screentime than usual, but it is the holidays and that is normal. However, she does recommend that parents try to stick to some form of routine over the summer. This helps provide structure for children and parents, many of whom are trying to juggle work and childcare.

Despite the long days, children still need their sleep. Yes, it’s good to have fun on holidays, says Bree, but it will be a nightmare trying to get children back on track three days before school starts. Instead, she recommends bringing bedtimes back about a fortnight before the return to school.

For those children who suffer from anxiety, the long summer holidays can exacerbate these feelings, says Bree. ISPCC and our volunteers on the Childline 24/7 listening service are always here to help.

Bree believes that the summer offers a very good opportunity to focus on mental and emotional health for both children and parents. The time away from the usual constraints of school, exams and activities offers children, young people and their parents an opportunity to take stock, breathe and put steps into place that help to bolster wellness.

ISPCC offers three free online Digital Mental Health programmes designed for teenagers experiencing anxiety and parents/carers of both teens and younger children. These early intervention programmes are fully supported by volunteers, take one hour a week and can be completed at the user’s leisure within a 12-week timeframe.

For more information on ISPCC’s Digital Mental Health programmes, go to https://www.ispcc.ie/guided-digital-programmes/