Two-thirds of children notice signs of child neglect among their classmates

Just under two-thirds of children have spotted signs of child neglect among their classmates, according to research by Action for Children.

The survey of around 3,000 eight- to 12-year-olds found that 61 per cent noticed indicators of neglect such as children being dirty, smelly, lonely or hungry. On average those surveyed knew of at least three children in their classes who showed such signs of neglect.

Among the most common indicator was children missing from school or arriving late. This was spotted by four out of 10 children surveyed. Wearing ill-fitting or old clothes and telling classmates that they do not have proper meals at home were other common signs.

The charity says that recent research published in the medical journal The Lancet estimates that one in 10 UK children experiences neglect.

Action for Children chief executive Dame Clare Tickell said: “Child neglect is a real danger to children if it is not tackled early on. It’s worrying that children as young as eight are spotting these issues in other children, confirming our fears that suspected cases of child neglect could be slipping through the net.”

She urged the government to ensure that the forthcoming comprehensive spending review properly funds early intervention work with families to prevent child neglect.