April 2026 – Page 31 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Egg-cellent time for chatting with your kids about what they’re seeing online this Easter

As millions of children enjoy the Easter holidays, the government is stepping up to take the pressure off parents battling to keep their children safe online

Parents can access the government’s free ‘You Won’t Know until You Ask’ campaign, which provides practical tools and conversation starters to help families talk about harmful online content over the school holidays
The government is taking tough action to make tech platforms do more to protect children online, with a landmark consultation open until 26 May setting out proposals including minimum age limits for social media and overnight curfews on addictive features
New government guidance published last week sets out clear, judgement-free advice on healthy screen time for children under 5

THIS Easter weekend there’s plenty of time for chocolate eggs, family time, and, let’s be honest, a whole lot of screen time.

Parents across the country are navigating that daily balancing act with screens – wondering what their children are seeing, how much time they’re spending online, and whether they’re doing enough to keep them safe. It’s a lot to carry, and it shouldn’t all fall on families.

That’s why the government is preparing to take tough action to make tech platforms take responsibility – and at the same time giving parents the free, practical tools they’ve been asking for, so they feel supported rather than on their own.

The landmark consultation on children’s online safety, which is open right now, sets out some of the most ambitious proposals ever put forward by any government – including minimum age limits for social media, overnight curfews on addictive features like infinite scrolling and autoplay, and tighter restrictions on AI chatbots for young people.

The government has promised to act quickly on the findings, and new legal powers mean ministers can move within months rather than waiting years for new legislation. The response has already been significant, over 38,000 people have had their say in just the first month since it launched. The consultation closes on 26 May and there are dedicated versions for both parents and young people – so this is a real chance for families to shape what happens next.

Online Safety Minister, Kanishka Narayan, said: “I’ve been hearing from parents and children across the country, and it’s clear this matters deeply to families. Platforms must be held accountable – and they will be. We are taking action to make sure they meet their responsibilities.

“But I’ve also heard that parents want support, not just reassurance. Regulation alone won’t change culture overnight, and that’s why we’re giving families free, practical tools to have those conversations at home. We want every family to feel equipped and confident, not overwhelmed.”

Alongside this, the government is also reminding parents about its ‘You Won’t Know until You Ask’ campaign, a no-nonsense and free toolkit packed with practical advice to help mums and dads feel confident starting those conversations, without it turning into a row at the dinner table.

Over 120,000* families have already visited the campaign website since it launched in February, with thousands** setting weekly reminders to check in with their children about what they’re seeing online.

With the school holidays here, there’s never been a better time to take five minutes to explore what your children are seeing online. A simple question can go a long way and the government’s free guidance is there to help when you need it.

You can access the free ‘You Won’t Know until You Ask’ guidance at Help your child stay safe online – Kids Online Safety. The screen time guidance is available at the Best Start in Life website. To take part in the consultation, visit GOV.UK.

Letters: The Scottish Government must play their part in keeping children safe online

Dear Editor,

Two recent court cases in the US have marked significant moments in the battle to keep young people safe online.

First, Meta was fined hundreds of millions of dollars for misleading users over the safety of its platforms for children. Then Meta and Google were sued for damaging a woman’s mental health in childhood through addictive platform designs.

These cases highlight how children and families are being failed by tech companies, who continue to expose young users to sexually explicit material, contact with dangerous adults and other preventable risks.

The online world is a central part of children’s lives. They learn, play and socialise online, and enjoy many benefits from social media, messaging apps, gaming and other digital platforms.

Children often don’t distinguish between their online and offline lives – both shape who they are. But alongside the positives, the online world also brings serious risks to children that must be addressed.

The scale of risk and online harm children face is unacceptable. Effective regulation of social media, a power reserved to Westminster and introduced through the Online Safety Act, is vital but not the only solution. The Scottish Government must play their part too. Devolved child safety online policy must also keep up with the fast‑changing digital landscape, including the challenges posed by generative AI.

The NSPCC wants to see a Scotland‑wide approach that brings together early years, education, child protection, the voluntary sector and law enforcement to keep children safe online.

We are calling on the next Scottish Government to provide clear leadership on prevention by retaining a strong, ambitious National Child Safety Online Action Plan, updated every year, aligned with the Online Safety Act, which is a key part of a wider public health approach to preventing child sexual abuse.

Yours sincerely,

Joanne Smith

NSPCC Scotland Policy Manager

Child poverty campaigners respond to new IFS living standards report

“Scottish tax and benefit policies working to reduce child poverty … but progress falls far short of 2030 targets“

Responding to yesterday’s (2 April 2026) IFS Labour market, living standards and poverty trends in Scotland report the Director of Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland, John Dickie said: “As this IFS briefing makes clear child poverty is lower in Scotland than the UK as a whole as a result of very welcome devolved tax and benefit policies, not least the introduction of the Scottish child payment, as well as lower housing costs.

“But the bottom line is one in five of our children still live in poverty, far short of the 2030 target of fewer than one in ten agreed by all the Holyrood parties. As the IFS state clearly the most direct way for the next Scottish government to further reduce child poverty is to increase devolved benefits.

“That’s why we are calling on all the Holyrood parties to commit to immediately increase the Scottish child payment to £40 a week as the first step toward doubling it by the end of the Parliament.”

Mr Dickie continued: “The IFS analysis echoes what parents tell us – that a mix of improvements to benefits, labour market opportunities and public services are all needed to protect them and their children from poverty.

“The next Scottish government will need to go further on all three if it is serious about ending the scandal of child poverty in a rich country.”

Responding to concerns that increasing Scottish child payment might weaken incentives to work the campaigners point to recent evidence published by the London School of Economics that concluded there is no evidence that the Scottish child payment (SCP) has reduced labour supply and that “concerns that the SCP creates work disincentives are overplayed“.

Previous analysis by the Scottish government also found the Scottish Child Payment was ‘not negatively affecting labour market outcomes at scale in the economy‘.

One year on, The Range at Craigleith Retail Park is now even better

Great Value Homewares, Furniture, DIY and Art Supplies alongside a fully stocked Garden Centre by Homebase – Your One-Stop Shop for Home and Leisure

A year on from its rapid reopening, The Range Superstore has stepped up once again, completing a full enhancement of the store to deliver an even bigger and better shopping experience.

With expanded departments, refreshed layouts and hundreds of new products added, customers can now enjoy even more choice across the great-value home and leisure ranges the retailer is known for.

Following last year’s swift relaunch, The Range superstore has undergone further investment over the past 12 months, strengthening its position as a true one-stop destination for home décor, creativity and outdoor living.

Shoppers will now discover broader ranges, improved in-store navigation and even more inspiration across every department.

From statement home décor and soft furnishings to lighting, mirrors, wall art and on-trend seasonal collections, the store now offers even greater choice for customers looking to refresh their space. Craft enthusiasts can explore an extensive arts and crafts department, one of The Range’s signature strengths, stocked with canvases, paints, hobby supplies and creative kits for all ages. Shoppers will also find expanded ranges across furniture, storage, kitchenware, outdoor living and family leisure, all designed to deliver style and practicality at accessible prices.

Garden lovers will also benefit from a dedicated Garden Centre by Homebase, bringing plants, compost, tools and outdoor project inspiration back to the local community. Whether updating a balcony, transforming a patio or creating a family-friendly outdoor space, customers can now browse everything they need under one roof.

The enhanced store reinforces The Range’s position as a true destination for home décor, creativity and outdoor living, offering shoppers thousands of products across multiple departments, all at great value prices.

A spokesperson for The Range Superstore said: “We’re proud to welcome shoppers back to a fully updated superstore.

“The Range is known for its breadth of choice and unbeatable value, and this refreshed store truly showcases the very best of what we offer, from home décor and arts and crafts to garden living. We’re excited for customers to come in, explore and rediscover their local store.”

The updated Craigleith Range Home & Leisure (Unit 3 Craigleith Retail Park, South Groathill Avenue, Edinburgh, EH4 2LN)is open now, with customers encouraged to visit and see what’s new.

Should your community be a Firework Control Zone?

THE City Council wants to hear from communities across the city about neighbourhoods they would like to be considered for firework control zones next November. FCZs are for private spaces such as gardens. These zones help reduce noise, stress and littering caused by fireworks.

Of the nine zones in place in 2025, four continue this year as the application was for two years – Balerno, Calton Hill, Niddrie and Seafield.

Resident groups, community councils and other community groups – apply by 24 April if you wish your neighbourhood to be a firework control zone.

Apply for a firework control zone in your community:

www.edinburgh.gov.uk/firework-control-zones

Attempted murder in Calder Gardens: Police appeal for witnesses

POLICE are appealing for information following an attempted murder in the Calder Gardens area.

The incident happened around 4.10pm yesterday (Thursday, 2 April, 2026), when a 38-year-old man was attacked by four men. He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

The suspects are white and aged in their late twenties to early thirties.

The first man is described as of large build, with short dark, balding hair and a beard. He was wearing a black t-shirt, blue tracksuit bottoms and black trainers.

The second is described as of medium build and was wearing a grey hooded jacket with dark shoulder panels, light grey jogging bottoms and chunky, grey trainers with a white sole.

The third is of medium build with short, dark hair, and was wearing a black gilet, a turquoise t-shirt and black trainers.

The fourth man is also of medium build with short, dark hair. He was wearing a black puffer style jacket and grey jogging bottoms with white logos.

Detective Constable Beverley Burnside said: “We are asking anyone who saw what happened, knows the men described, or where they might be to get in touch.

“Please check any private CCTV or dash-cam footage that you have and get in touch if you have captured something that could assist with our enquiries.”

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2301 of Thursday, 2 April, 2026.

Corstorphine Library: Easter Holiday Programme

Schools are out and we’ve got lots of fun children’s activities lined up for the next two weeks!

Note that we are closed on Friday and Monday for the public holidays, but are open on Saturday! Join us for a special Bookbug with your favourite cuddly toy. Slightly older kids will enjoy STEM Club and Board Games.

We’ll share more details of events next week.

2026 is the National Year of Reading – #GoAllIn

Easter at Pilton Youth & Children’s Project

EASTER AT PY

Have a look at our Easter Programme!

There will be NO SIGN UPS for trips – spaces will be given to our regular attenders, please only attend the trips if you have been spoken to by a member of the team.