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5. You can act to protect children too

You can act to protect children too

Here are some real-life stories of individuals in Scotland who have acted to protect a child:

‘Phil was at the playpark with his children when he noticed a group of boys, around 13 years old, kicking another boy who was lying on the ground. It was hard to tell whether it was all in fun or serious bullying. So he asked the boy who was being kicked if he was OK. They all insisted they were just having a laugh, but they stopped what they were doing and went off to play football – Phil felt better about having said something.’

‘Amy saw a Mum in the supermarket yelling at her toddler son, and slapping his face. The Mum looked like she was at the end of her tether. To help the Mum feel a bit better, Amy told her that she knew how difficult it can be to shop with a toddler. Amy played with the child and chatted to him for a few minutes so the Mum could put a few things in her trolley without having to give the toddler her full attention.’

‘John lived in a flat and often heard shouting coming from the family upstairs. Some of the shouting was just children having fun but late on Friday and Saturday nights, the shouting got worse and there were thumping sounds and crying. He wasn’t sure exactly what was going on but he thought he better at least phone social work to let them know.’

‘Tom was a leader in his local Beavers group. One evening a Dad was very drunk and verbally abusive when he came to collect his Son to take him home. Tom was very concerned for the boy’s safety. He knew the boy’s Granny so phoned her to ask her to come and pick up the boy instead.’

If you have a real-life story to share of how you have acted to protect a child, you can email them to info@children1st.org.uk