Commenting on figures from the National Crime Agency showing that 19,000 missing people were reported to police in Wales last year, with 60% of those children, an NSPCC Cymru / Wales spokesman said:
“Although it is worrying to see a rise in missing children reported to police in Wales, it is encouraging that the figures are attributed to better recording and safeguarding measures
“It is important that police work with partner agencies to help protect children from harm and support those who have run away from home.
“We know from calls to our Childline service that children go missing for many reasons including bullying, abuse or being unhappy at home.
“Last year alone Childline across the UK carried out 1,672 counselling sessions with children who had either run away from home or were planning on running away. Of those, 31 were with children living in Wales.”
Childline is available on freephone 0800 1111 24/7, and offers a confidential service to any child, or by contacting www.childline.org.uk, for counselling chat, emails or message boards.
