Seasonal Safeguarding: Ensuring a Safe and Joyful Christmas for All
As we embrace the festive spirit of the Christmas season, it's crucial to remember that safeguarding remains a priority, ensuring a safe and joyful time for everyone. In this article, we will explore the unique safeguarding challenges that arise during the holiday season for both children and adults in the UK. RLB Safeguarding is committed to empowering business owners/managers with insights to make this season safer for everyone.
Safeguarding people during the Holidays
The holiday season can bring joy, but it also presents challenges when it comes to safeguarding children. Schools and some workplaces are closed, and people have more free time, potentially leading to increased risks. Here are some key points to consider:
Online Safety: With the surge in online activities, ensure children and adults are aware of online risks such as exploitation and scams. Encourage open communication about internet use and the importance of privacy/conduct.
Festive Events: Attendances at festive events may increase, so it's crucial to verify the credentials of staff and volunteers working with children or vulnerable adults. DBS checks play a vital role in this regard but let’s also consider issues such as adults and apprentices in the workplace where concerns can heighten around physical dangers, domestic abuse, and sexual harassment. HR leaders and business owners should ensure that workplace parties prioritise safety and responsible alcohol consumption and promote a friendly but responsible atmosphere. Risk assessments may need to be utilised.
Strangers and those trying to befriend people: Education about the importance of not talking to strangers or checking out who a person is can be essential, even during the excitement of the season. Exploitation can occur in many shapes and forms so it is important to consider this especially if children or adults are spending a lot of time alone and wanting to connect with someone.
Alcohol Awareness: For both children and adults, there are many dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and peer pressure during gatherings. It is important to consider where and how alcohol use may take place.
We have now emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic and since then have experienced many global and national issues which have now resulted in a financial crisis that is affecting so many families. It may be an extremely challenging time full of family disputes, debt, familial abuse, and may allow additional time for someone to be exposed to abuse and bullying. Hidden harms can increase due to tensions and stresses and parental issues may be magnified.
Isolation: Some children and adults may feel isolated during the holidays. It is important for businesses and organisations to check in on children and adults, including employees, and provide support where needed. If your organisation is closed over the holiday period then it is important to share support service contact details and signposting information so that support can be accessed independently.
Domestic Abuse Issues: The holiday season can exacerbate domestic abuse issues due to tensions and alcohol/substance misuse. Encourage service users and employees to seek help if needed and provide information about support services.
Stress Management: Promote stress management techniques among employees and individuals, as the holiday season can be stressful for various reasons and also be prepared for the return in January. You may see an increase in stress levels or a person’s behaviour if they have experienced a negative time around the holidays.
All of these factors can impact significantly on a young person or adult and their physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing. We also know that abuse and exploitation services, charities and helpline contacts increase significantly around this time of year.
Conclusion
In the spirit of our purpose, vision, and values at RLB, let's make this holiday season safer for everyone. By remaining vigilant, promoting open conversations, and taking proactive steps, we can ensure that the joy of the season is not marred by safety concerns. Remember, safeguarding is a year-round responsibility, and we can contribute to a working world that is safer for everyone. Wishing you all a safe and joyful holiday season!