It's everyone's responsibility to protect children. If you think a child is being harmed or is at risk of harm, it's important that you tell us so we can help. Your actions may help us keep a child safe from harm.

If you're worried about a child, please tell us. You do not have to give us your name if you do not want to.

All children and young people have the right to be protected and to be kept safe from harm caused by others. Most children within our communities will grow up in a safe and loving environment.

However, some do not. These children may need extra help from adults to make sure that they are kept safe.

The best way to make sure the child you're worried about gets the help they need quickly is to phone us. You can call us on:

If it's an emergency, always dial:

You can also contact Police Scotland when it's not an emergency:

What might make you concerned

Children can't always tell us they are unhappy or are being harmed. There may be signs that worry you and these may indicate that a child is being neglected or abused. Or an adult may be acting in a way that concerns you. Please take action if you notice the signs.

Signs that a child or young person may be at harm

You may notice one or a combination of the following signs. A child or young person you know may:

• have unexplained bruising, or bruising in an unexpected place
• appear quiet, withdrawn, or afraid to tell you something that sounds as if they have been hurt by someone
• be afraid to go home
• appear constantly hungry, tired or untidy
• be left unattended or unsupervised
• have too much responsibility for their age
• be acting in a sexually inappropriate way
• be misusing drugs or alcohol

Signs that an adult may be harming a child

Sometimes, it's the behaviour of the child’s parents or carers or another adult that concerns you. The adult may:

• be acting in an aggressive, violent or sexual manner towards a child or young person
• be misusing drink or drugs while caring for a child
• leave their child unattended or with people who are unsuitable

These are just some of the ways that adults can harm children. You may have other concerns. It may be a one-off incident or a combination of things that happen over a period of time that worry you.

You don't have to be absolutely certain; if you're concerned a child is being abused or their safety is at risk, contact us.

If you are worried, talk to us. We will take your concern seriously.

When you report a concern about a child who you believe may be experiencing abuse, neglect or significant harm we will receive what you say in confidence.

In order to investigate or take action we may need to explain the nature of the concern to those affected. We would not normally give your name (unless the safety of the child requires this) but depending on the nature of the concern it may be possible that the context indicates who has raised the concern.

The social worker would talk through this with you. If you are worried about being identified from the concern you have raised you should explain this to the social worker. We might have to give your name to the police if they need to contact you for the purpose of evidence.

It is possible to raise a concern anonymously but this makes it more difficult to take action on or to follow up because we will be unable to contact you.

What happens next

When you contact a professional about your concern that a child is being abused, unless the child is in immediate danger, they will make some initial enquiries before taking action. They will check whether the child is known to Education, Health, Police and Social Work Services.

All information will be treated seriously and acted upon. This may lead to immediate action or a more planned response.

You will be advised of the process, but the outcome of an investigation will remain confidential.

Frequently asked questions