Child protection

News

A busy week in the child health world - President's update

3 February 2025

Steve covers lots of topics this week, including applications to ST1, mental health services and data from the new RSV vaccine. He also introduces our Air Pollution Companion and shares recent policy work from the devolved nations.

News

Putting child health at the centre of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill

16 January 2025

This blog sets out the main themes of the Bill and highlights its most significant aspects for children, young people and RCPCH members. Children’s social care and schools are devolved policy issues, so most of the legislation will apply in England only.

Document

Our campaign to give every child in the UK equal protection from assault

Children in England and Northern Ireland are the only people in the UK not full protected in law from assault. Learn about our campaign to remove the 'reasonable punishment' defence from law in England and Northern Ireland to give every child in the UK equal protection from assault.

Public affairs and campaigning

Child protection

Physical abuse

News

A silver slipper? Two new champions for child health

28 October 2024

Dr Nick Wilkinson, RCPCH Officer for Wales explores the importance of sponsorship and new opportunities in this blog.

Volunteering opportunity

Child Protection Evidence - help develop systematic reviews

Are you a UK-based consultant or trainee paediatrician with an interest in child protection? We are seeking expert reviewers for critical appraisals and review leads.

Safeguarding

Child protection

News

RCPCH responds to NSPCC’s corporal punishment data

21 August 2024

New data from the NSPCC shows that contacts to their Helpline about children being physically punished have tripled in the last year.

News

Paediatricians call for an end to unjust and dangerous smacking laws

17 April 2024

Children’s doctors in England and Northern Ireland are calling for equal protection for children and young people against physical assault, such as smacking, hitting, and slapping.

Resource

Equal protection from assault in England and Northern Ireland: Prohibiting physical punishment of all children

In England and Northern Ireland, children are the only group of people not fully protected in law from physical assault. Our recommendations demonstrate to Government policymakers both the practicalities of removing the 'reasonable punishment defence’ from law and the appropriate next steps to reduc...

Safeguarding

Child protection

Physical abuse

Public affairs and campaigning

News

RCPCH responds to the Home Office’s announcement on Mandatory Reporting of child sexual abuse

22 February 2024

The Home Office has announced that the Government intends to introduce mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse in England and Wales.

News

RCPCH responds to worrying health data in latest children's commissioners report on children seeking asylum

30 November 2023

The report highlights several serious health and safeguarding concerns for unaccompanied children seeking asylum in the UK.