05.08.11
Child neglect may increase during school holidays
Parents are worried about child neglect during the holidays, a poll shows. Action for Children questioned 2,000 parents with children under the age of 18.
Results showed that 26% believe that neglect increases when school is finished, and one in ten said that they had cared for a child that was not their own because they thought that they weren’t being looked after properly at home. This included having them over for a meal, or taking them on a family trip.
However, 63% of adults questioned said that it makes no difference whether it is term time or during the holidays.
Research suggests that one in ten of all British kids are neglected through lack of food, clean clothes, safety, security, warmth, care and attention. The charity Action for Children is attempting to increase awareness of the problem, especially in periods such as the summer holidays.
Chief executive Clare Tickell said: "No child should ever feel lonely, hungry or worthless, but once the school gates have closed for the summer holidays that is exactly how many of the 1.5 million neglected children in Britain are left feeling.
"The Government must help to tackle neglect within families, and give councils a clear signal not to cut play schemes and activities for children in the summer holidays - they may look like easy cuts to make but they are vital for our most vulnerable children, and their families."
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