The NSPCC advises parents and carers to be wary of
- Activities where parents are discouraged from staying to watch or become involved.
- Activities or behaviour that encourage rough play, sexual innuendo or humiliating punishments.
- Individuals who take charge and operate independently of organisational guidelines.
- Individuals who show favouritism or personally reward specific children.
- Encouragement of inappropriate physical contact.
- Poor communication and lack of parental involvement, leaving you feeling uneasy.
- Children who drop out or stop going for no apparent reason
- Invitations for children to spend time alone with staff or volunteers (or even to visit their home).
We agree wholeheartedly with the NSPCC and would not expect any of this behaviour to occur in The Scouts.
As always, if you have any concerns, please raise them immediately with your child’s leaders, or – if you’d rather speak to someone else –
contact the Scout Information Centre on 0345 300 1818.