AQW 40718/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Education
To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 39515/22-27, for his assessment of the increase in calls to the Child Protection Support Service.
Asked by Michelle Guy MLA on 16 February 2026
- Answered
- Written
- Priority
- Tabled
- 16 February 2026
- Answer due by
- 20 February 2026
- Answered
- 20 February 20264 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Education
- Priority question
- Yes
Answer
The Education Authority Child Protection Support Service (EA CPSS) Helpline ensures access to timely and specialist safeguarding advice from Designated Officers.
The EA has advised that the increased demand on the service reflects emerging safeguarding and child protection issues and complexity, including:
Impact of poverty and neglect on pupils
Operation Encompass (increase in domestic violence, including information being shared with schools by PSNI)
Online safety and abuse including artificially generated images and deepfakes
Impact of social media/Trolling
Racist behaviour and community unrest impacting on pupils, school communities
Harmful Sexual Behaviour displayed in school by young people
Allegations against staff
Child Sexual Exploitation and Child Criminal Exploitation
Bullying
Substance misuse (drugs and alcohol)
My officials are working closely with the CPSS officers to ensure that the department’s guidance and operational support for schools reflect this.