Bris: Children more vulnerable during summer break

Swedish child welfare organization Bris is urging adults to be extra attentive to children during the summer holidays, as calls to the organization increase during this period. While the summer break is a welcome time for many, Bris highlights that the pause in school and other routines can heighten children's vulnerability to violence and conflict.

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The most important thing is to be present in children's lives and, above all, to dare to ask.

Jennifer Pettersson, a counselor at Bris, emphasizes the critical role of adult presence and the courage to ask questions. She advises that even if a child doesn't immediately open up, consistent attention and care can be profoundly valuable. "It's important to remind ourselves that children are dependent on adults," Pettersson stated, stressing the significance of asking potentially uncomfortable questions.

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Even if the child does not want to talk, it is significant that someone shows care and asks how things are.

Bris notes a significant rise in calls concerning children's well-being during summer breaks. Last summer, the organization received 10,988 contacts, a 6% increase from the previous year. Nearly half of these calls, 46%, related to mental health issues. Additionally, 24% concerned family conflicts, and 16% involved violence, abuse, and harassment. Notably, calls about physical violence surged by 52%, family relations by 35%, and online-related issues by 58% compared to previous years.

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A child may not give an answer the first, second, or third time. Then it is precisely the recurring attention that becomes valuable and important in the long run.

Pettersson encourages adults unsure about how to approach a child in need to contact Bris's adult helpline for guidance. "It's better to ask once too often than once too little," she advised. Bris offers free support through phone, chat, email, and text messages with counselors.

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It is better to ask once too often than once too little.