I saw the tail end of a funny sort of conversation on social media where someone mentioned that they could hear a child being hit regularly.

I'm not totally anti-smacking and I also understand that every parent will do or say something at some point during their parenting experience that makes them shudder a little later. If you don't believe me, you are already getting old and forgetful or you haven't raised a teenager yet. But regularly hitting, regularly hearing it through walls?

It made me think of little Daniel Pelka, it could be another child in another horrific set of circumstances. But then it could just be a shouty family and the child on balance could be just fine. How do we know? We don't.

Daniel Pelka had lots of people around him that could have made a difference but they failed him. All of them. Neighbours did call but the social services failed him too. But don't let that stop us wanting to not let it happen again.

It's easy to talk to the NSPCC, it doesn't have the same pressure as talking to the Police or Social Services. Here's what they say on their website:

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Reporting to our helpline anonymously

Protect the child you are worried about and stay anonymous when contacting the NSPCC

Many people who want to contact us because they are worried about a child are also worried about sharing their identity.

They may be afraid of retaliation from a suspected abuser or concerned about the impact that making a report may have on their relationship with the child or family concerned.
However you choose to contact us, you don't have to tell us who you are, but it can help the child.
Because we act as a 'go between' with you and agencies like the police or social services, we need to make sure that they have all information they need to act on your concerns.
But we also want you to feel safe in making a report. You do not have to tell us who you are, but if you do, you can ask us not to pass on your details.
Many people have said that knowing they can talk to us anonymously has encouraged them to get in touch, and we believe it has helped us protect more children.

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Did you know that in 2012/13, almost 51,000 people contacted the NSPCC. The most common concern remains child neglect. 52% of contacts to the NSPCC’s helpline resulted in a referral to children’s services and/or the police.

You can't sit and hope someone else will do it and save you the bother. That someone else is thinking you'll be doing it instead of them.

There are many different ways to contact the NSPCC: phone, text, email, online.

Their number is 0808 800 5000.

*I wrote this before the sad death of 3 year old Mikaeel Kular became this week's news.