Bris: Increased vulnerability for children and young people during the summer holidays

The summer holidays have begun, a time that many children and teenagers look forward to and long for.

But when school, training and other routines are put on hold, exposure to violence and conflicts can increase, according to Bris, Children's rights in society. The organization, which works for children's well-being, urges adults to pay particular attention to the vulnerability of young people during the summer.

Bris emphasizes that adults have a great responsibility. If you suspect that a child in your environment is affected by mental illness, or has to endure family conflicts such as domestic violence, it is important to show that you care, have patience and act.

- Even if the child does not want to tell, it is important that someone shows concern and asks how things are going, says Jennifer Pettersson, counselor at Bris.

- 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.

It is important to remind yourself that children are dependent on adults, says Pettersson, and adds the importance of daring to ask the questions that may be difficult.

- Children can describe a disappointment when they talk to us at Bris that they lived in violence, or in a destructive home environment, and that there were adults who saw this and should have acted.

- There is great disappointment among the children who feel that they have been let down by the adults around them.

At the national helpline, there is often a sense of anxiety before holidays, according to Bris, where the summer particularly stands out because the holidays extend over ten weeks.

Jennifer Pettersson says that adults who are unsure how to proceed and want advice are welcome to contact Bri's adult phone.

- It is better to ask once too much than once too little.