The coronavirus pandemic has meant big changes for us all, but especially for children. From learning remotely to being apart from friends and family, perhaps the biggest change of all has been staying home.
So we’ve come up with some fun activities for you to try together: keeping them busy and entertained at home while helping them to understand they can speak out about anything that worries them.
- Every child has the right to speak out and stay safe.
- Making a child feel sad, scared or worried is never OK and is never their fault.
- If they’re ever worried about anything they should tell an adult they trust.
- Whatever their worry, they can always call Childline on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk/kids.
Try out these activities at home
How to have conversations about safety with children
- Whether it’s during one of our activities or you’re simply talking with your child – allow them space to speak and explore.
- Ask open questions about how they feel. You could ask:
- How did you feel during this activity?
- What did you think of the activity? Why?
- What part of the activity do you think is the most important?
- Which adults do you trust and feel comfortable talking about your worries with?
- What could you do if you’re worried about something?
- Feel free to share your own thoughts with them too – this can help them feel more comfortable sharing.
- Make sure your child knows you’re listening and that you’re there for them.
- Ensure you respond appropriately if a child tells you they’ve been hurt.
Why learning to speak out is important
In the average primary school class, at least 2 children have suffered abuse or neglect.
1 in 3 children sexually abused by an adult did not tell anyone what had happened to them.
On average, a child contacts Childline every 25 seconds. We're here when no one else is listening.
Sign up for more activities to try!
We know it can be hard to talk about difficult topics at home – but making sure your children know they can tell you, a trusted adult, or a Childline counsellor about their worries means we can be here if a child needs us.
Get all the links to all our new activities by email
- and we'll let you know when we have new ones for you to try!
Resources and support for parents, carers and kids
Childline is always here for children – whatever their worry. Your child can always contact a Childline counsellor on the phone, online with 1-2-1 chat or by email. The Childline website has lots of useful, age-appropriate resources they can use for support:
- Find out about contacting Childline - or watch our video about what happens when you call.
- There are also lots of ways for deaf, Deaf and hard of hearing children can get support from Childline.
- Get advice written specially for Under 12s about anything that might be worrying them.
- Visit our Buddy Zone for more safety advice.
- Playing Childline’s games is a safe way to relax and play online.
- Bust stress and feel calmer with Childline’s Build your happy place.
We have lots of advice for parents and carers to help with anything that might be worrying you. You can also call our helpline if you have any questions or need any support.
- Get useful resources and advice about a range of topics from our support for parents hub.
- Read advice and support for parents during the pandemic – from talking to your kids about coronavirus to working from home with them.
- Join the 1.5 million parents who have started important conversations about sexual abuse with their kids using Talk PANTS, the Underwear Rule.
- Read all about positive parenting and how it can help your kids in our guide.
- Net Aware’s Online safety hub in lockdown, created in partnership with O2, has lots of tips, advice and resources to help keep your child safe online. There are plenty of fun ways you can get your child talking about online safety. Check out Five activities to do with your child this lockdown for more ideas!
