Tag: Children and Families

PM calls social media companies into Downing Street

The Prime Minister will say “looking the other way is not an option” as he brings senior leaders of major social media companies – Meta, Snap, Google (YouTube), TikTok and X – to Downing Street today to press for progress on one of the most urgent issues affecting children today.

  • Prime Minister calls senior leaders from some of the biggest social media companies into Downing Street
  • Follows government taking powers to act quickly once its consultation concludes, including on measures to protect kids from social media harms
  • PM puts children’s safety first and tells companies this is the time to meet the moment, address parents’ concerns and prepare for next steps

The Prime Minister will say “looking the other way is not an option” as he brings senior leaders of major social media companies – Meta, Snap, Google (YouTube), TikTok and X – to Downing Street today to press for progress on one of the most urgent issues affecting children today.

For parents, the stakes could not be higher – this is about whether children grow up supported and safe online or exposed to harm with no one taking responsibility. When it comes to keeping young people safe online, the Prime Minister has been clear this is not a question of if the government will act, but how.

Throughout the government’s consultation, he has heard first hand from parents on the worries they have about the growing grip of social media on their children’s lives and the need for greater support.

The Prime Minister has said his government will not sit on its hands after the consultation, but instead has acted swiftly to take the legislative powers needed to move quickly once it has concluded to deliver change within months, not years.

Some social media companies have already stepped up by putting in place protections like disabling autoplay for children by default and giving parents greater control over screen time and introducing curfews. But the Prime Minister has argued we must go further to protect children and meet the moment.

During today’s meeting, the Prime Minister and Technology Secretary will set out the government’s principles and values when it comes to protecting children, and press for answers from companies on what they are doing to keep children safe online and responding to families’ concerns.

Ahead of the meeting, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Social media shapes how children see themselves, their friendships and the world around them. When that comes with real risks, looking the other way is not an option.

“Parents rightly expect action and fast. That’s why we’ve already taken the powers needed to move quickly once our consultation ends.

“I will take whatever steps necessary to keep children safe online. Today is about making sure social media companies step up and take responsibility.

“The consequences of failing to act are stark. We owe it to parents, and to the next generation, to put children’s safety first – because they won’t forgive us if we don’t.”

https://twitter.com/i/status/2028788258843328611

The meeting comes halfway through the government’s consultation, Growing Up in the Online World, which has so far received more than 45,000 responses to proposals aimed at protecting children’s wellbeing online.

With around six weeks left before the consultation closes on 26 May, the government is urging parents and children to get involved and help shape the next steps.

The consultation is the most ambitious of its kind in the world. It explores key questions including whether to introduce a minimum age for social media, limits on addictive design features, and stronger safeguards around AI chatbots for young people.

Almost 6,000 young people have already taken part, and more than 80 organisations – including schools, charities and community groups – have participated in engagement sessions with ministers and officials in recent months.

Take part in the national consultation: https://gov.uk/growing-up-online

Children’s coalition demands action as mental health problems soar

A leading coalition of children’s services providers has challenged political parties to “stop talking and start delivering” after a dramatic surge in additional support needs (ASN) conditions among Scotland’s pupils.

New analysis of Scottish Government data reveals a sharp rise in complex needs over the past decade. Between 2015 and 2025:

  • Mental health problems have surged by 526%
  • Communication support needs have risen by 296%
  • Autism diagnoses have increased by 252%
  • Interrupted learning has jumped by 497%
  • Social, emotional and behavioural difficulties are up 144%
  • Physical health problems have grown by 142%
  • Dyslexia has increased by 129%
  • Substance misuse has increased by 245%

Overall, the number of pupils identified with ASN has almost doubled—from 153,143 to 299,445—now accounting for 43% of all pupils, experiencing an increased complexity of need.

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education for vulnerable children and young people, has warned that rising need is being met with falling support.

Despite the sharp increase in demand:

  • Specialist ASN teachers have droppedfrom 3,038 in 2015 to 2,864 in 2025.3
  • Educational psychologist numbers have barely shifted, rising only from 370 to 396.4

The SCSC notes that the gap between need and provision is being driven by a combination of improved diagnosis, the lasting impact of Covid-19, social media pressures, and the cost-of-living crisis.

Associated with this, we are witnessing increasing levels of classroom disruption, a key cause of this being the increase in the number of those with ASN, who are not receiving the support they are entitled to.

The SCSC has also raised concerns about the effectiveness of mainstreaming—where pupils are educated in mainstream classrooms unless exceptional circumstances apply—warning that without adequate support, it is failing many children.

An SCSC spokesperson said: “Scotland’s politicians must stop talking and start delivering. The scale of this increase in need is staggering—but the support simply isn’t keeping pace.

“Too many children with ASN are being left without the help they are entitled to. That is failing them, their classmates, their teachers and support staff.

“Mainstreaming can work—but not without the resources to back it up. Right now, that support just isn’t there, and we are seeing the consequences in rising classroom disruption and unmet need.

“The next Scottish Government must act decisively, providing adequate support for children and young people with ASN,  who disproportionately come from the most disadvantaged backgrounds.”

Reasons for support for pupils with ASN (pupils may have more than one reason for additional support).

Reason for support20252015% change on 2015
TotalTotal
Dyslexia39,03617,034129
Other specific learning difficulty (e.g. numeric)30,72017,55275
Other moderate learning difficulty30,48423,22831
Visual impairment5,7393,83949.5
Hearing impairment4,3762,73859
Deaf blind644742.5
Physical or motor impairment8,6187,52814.5
Language or speech disorder20,75814,70441
Autistic spectrum disorder41,28511,722252
Social, emotional and behavioural difficulty77,40531,684144
Physical health problem21,9619,059142
Mental health problem14,6382,338526
Interrupted learning15,9312,669497
English as an additional language61,10721,997178
Looked after10,6737,53042
More able pupil3,0753,123-1.5
Communication Support Needs19,3744,894296
Young Carer10,3021,653523
Bereavement7,2611,304457
Substance Misuse762221245
Family Issues31,8659,700228.5
Risk of Exclusion2,610925182
Learning disability12,24115,324-20
Other25,40614,15679.5

BBC launches Bitesize Parenting as parents look for guidance on how to support children through school

New resources help parents support learning from primary to secondary

BBC Bitesize, the UK’s number one trusted education brand, is now the home of Bitesize Parenting, a new service from BBC Children’s & Education to support parents through their children’s education from primary school to right through to exams.

As the nation’s teenagers prepare to for GCSE and A Levels, new research conducted by Ipsos reveals parents are feeling overwhelmed and under pressure when it comes to supporting their children through exam season.

The new parenting offering includes a range of resources to help parents support learning from primary school years to secondary, and beyond.

The free resources such as a glossary on what to say and what not to say during revision, expert advice from psychologists on supporting your child’s mental health, and ways parents can avoid burn out provide easy to use, practical information and the ability to see and engage with your child’s learning on Bitesize.

The expert led resources include a brand-new podcast series, Bitesize Parenting Teens, hosted by actress and comedian Kerry Godliman, with advice and support on the trickier aspects parenting teens, launching with an episode on exams and revision.

As exams start from May, the new research goes on to suggests many parents are unsure how to help with revision, with 1 in 5 saying they are not confident in how to support their teenager during this time, and 35% saying revision season makes them feel anxious as a parent.

The research highlights common challenges driving this anxiety, including managing their child’s screen time and distractions (33%), helping their child cope with exam stress (25%), and worrying they will say the wrong thing about revision (19%).

Revision season is also putting pressure on family life, with 21% of parents surveyed saying it leads to more arguments or tension at home. Children are feeling the strain too, with 37% of parents saying their child becomes more irritable or emotional during this period.

The research suggests parents are taking practical steps to help, often at the expense of everyday life. 44% have helped create revision timetables, 38% have reduced social plans to prioritise revision, and 36% have paid for revision guides or learning materials.

But despite their efforts, many parents surveyed feel they are navigating this without clear guidance. Almost half (48%) say they find it difficult to keep up with the range of revision resources available.

In conversations with parents, the BBC found just how much pressure exam time is putting on family life. One parent said their child “gets more stressed about me suggesting he revise than he does about exams,” highlighting how difficult it can be to strike the right balance.

Another parent described the experience as “a super stressful period for all concerned,” while others said they have to “put my own emotions to the side to keep [their child] calm.”

BBC Bitesize Parenting aims to engage parents in their child’s education journey, helping to reduce stress and giving families the confidence to support learning at home. According to the latest Socioeconomic Impact Of BBC Children’s And Education report, the BBC provides education resources like Bitesize, that are associated with better exam results, improved life opportunities and social mobility.

Kerry Godliman says: “Exam season can feel intense for the whole family. As a parent, you want to help, but it is not always clear how to do that without adding more pressure. This podcast is about honest conversations and helping parents feel less alone.

And it’s not just revision we talk about on Parenting Teens. We tackle familiar challenges like screen time, how to get your teen to tidy their room, and the much-feared hormones.”

Cerys Griffiths, Head of BBC Bitesize, says: “Parents are telling us they feel unsure and overwhelmed when it comes to supporting their children, particularly during high-pressure moments like exam season.

“Bitesize Parenting has been developed in response to what families say they need most, bringing together trusted, expert-led advice in one place.“

BBC Bitesize aims to be the most trusted, accessible and used education platform in the UK, and this is about making sure families can access simple, practical support that helps them navigate learning at home and feel more confident supporting their child.”

Bitesize Parenting content, including new Parenting Teens Podcasts are available on the BBC Bitesize website and on BBC Sounds.

Judy Murray OBE backs digital detox to protect Scotland’s children from online harm

Judy Murray OBE is backing On-Mute May, Children First’s new campaign, which urges people across the country to step away from social media this May to raise vital funds and awareness of the growing dangers children face online.

Research from Scotland’s national children’s charity reveals harmful online content is the biggest threat children and young people say they face today.

In Scotland, 79% of young people report feeling worried about encountering harmful content online and 78% say they are anxious about the impact social media has on their lives. Smartphone use has also emerged as a major concern for both children and parents.

Children First warns that while phone and social media use has become deeply ingrained in everyday life, children cannot protect themselves from harmful or disturbing content and adults must take urgent action to keep them safe.

Judy Murray OBE said: “I’m delighted to be backing Children First’s On-Mute May campaign. Together we’re shining a light on the serious online harm facing children across Scotland while raising vital funds for the charity.

 “I have always championed the power of sport for the life skills it develops as well as the obvious physical and mental health benefits. So, I’m encouraging everyone to take part in this digital detox and get active. It’s a great opportunity to switch off, reconnect and have fun together in whatever way you choose. 

“By taking a break from social media in May, you’re not just supporting your own wellbeing, you’re helping protect Scotland’s children.”

Children First helps protect children from harm, supports families to recover from trauma, and offers guidance through its national support line and local services. Michelle Supple, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications said: “We are hugely grateful to Judy for lending her support to this important campaign.

“Across Scotland, our teams work with children and young people every single day who have experienced devastating harm online. 

“Children can’t protect themselves from online dangers. We need your help. Please join On-Mute May and give up or take a break from social media to raise funds to help protect Scotland’s children.” 

Young people have expressed significant concerns about online harm to Children First, underlining the importance of protecting childhood in a digital world. Sam, age 10, shared: “People in Scotland are worried about staying safe online… whether people are who they say they are.”

Erin, age 18 who has been impacted by online harm in the past said: “Being online all the time can take a toll on how you feel about yourself, how you see the world and even how people treat one another. The rise of toxic influencers, bullying in group chats, people sharing harmful content … it all adds up.

“Taking a break doesn’t mean unplugging forever. It just means giving your brain space to breathe. If you’re thinking about doing something worthwhile, join in the challenge.”

“It’s also a great opportunity to switch off and connect with your children and family and spend quality time making memories together.”

Anyone wishing to take part in On-Mute May can sign up through the Children First website: www.childrenfirst.org.uk/onmutemay

The charity’s support line is also available for anyone who is worried about a child’s online safety, call 08000 28 22 33, 365 days a  year.

A bone-a-fide superstar: Dig up a Dino at Edinburgh Science Festival!

Edinburgh Science Festival continues this Easter break and brings more fun for young sci-curious minds at the National Museum of Scotland

Science Festival Favourites, which opened yesterday, is a series of children workshops and shows, an exciting selection of activities which would normally feature at City Art Centre. 

Children can Dig Up a Dino! (ages 5+) in a special dig site and discover all about the creatures which ruled the Earth millions of years ago, become a forensic scientist in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (8+), help solve a crime and catch the perpetrator or get their goo on in Splat-tastic! (5+), be creative with chemistry and make their very own slime to take home.  

Also part of Science Festival Favourites, the whole family can take part in Mini-Medics: The Body Show (7+), inviting everyone to scrub up, don their masks and join Doctor Watson and Nurse It-Better as they explore the human body and how to keep it healthy. The Rocket Show (7+) makes the rocket science fun and accessible as children explore forces, test materials and prepare for a launch of a rocket fit for space.

Tech Decoded, supported by the Association for Science and Discovery Centres and SeaByte, features free drop-in activities that allow families to explore technology from AI to coding. Visitors will learn how the internet works and have the chance to create their own electrical circuits.  

Edinburgh Science Festival continues until 19 April.

Free Football with Craigy’s Little Kickers

🟡🔵 FREE FOOTBALL 🔵🟡

Craigroyston are setting up a sessions for our youngest players “Craigy’s Little kickers” we’re looking for young boys and girls to come along and kick start there Craigy career early before soccer school. Boys and girls aged between 3-5 years old.

SFA qualified coach

Sports first aid trained.

Sessions will be based on nothing more than fun, making friends and football.

First session Saturday 2nd May

Saturday afternoons 1-2pm old cattle track lane (Marine drive) EH4 5JT

The first Kick can lead to a dream.

Get involved. Please contact Anthony on 07708293555

Please share and spread the word🟡🔵

Enrolling now: Edinburgh Dance Academy offers free taster lessons

Edinburgh Dance Academy, recently voted highest ranked dance school in the UK and Ireland are ENROLLING NOW!!!

All of our taster lessons are free to make sure that we are the right fit for any dancer, and this month we are offering …

✨ TWO WEEKS FREE AT ALL EDA STUDIOS ✨

We offer classes in: Pre School Dance, Teenie Toes (parent and child), RAD Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Competition Teams, Contemporary, Commercial, Acro, Turns, Limbering, Body Conditioning, Mini Musical Theatre, Progressing Ballet Technique, & our Everybody Dance Now (ASN class)!

We would love to have you join our amazing dance family!

For more information please get in touch.

Email hello@eda.scot to book your free taster lesson now!

NHS Inform: Chickenpox advice

Chickenpox is a common and usually mild illness, especially in children 👶🦠

It causes an itchy rash of spots that turn into blisters before crusting over. You or your child may also feel unwell, have a fever or aches before the rash appears.

Most children get better at home without seeing a GP, but it’s important to keep them off nursery or school until all spots have crusted over to help stop the spread.

There is no treatment for chickenpox. But, you can get remedies from your pharmacy that can help symptoms. These include:

– paracetamol to help bring down a fever

– calamine lotion and cooling gels to ease itching.

In most children, the blisters crust up and fall off naturally within 1 to 2 weeks.

Find out more about symptoms, what to expect and when to get advice at #NHSinform👉

Scottish parents’ top online searches about their children revealed – with one important topic being overlooked

  • The average Scottish parent turns to online search 3.92 times a week to make sense of their child’s world – from rock obsessions to cardboard box fixations 
  • Yet experts say one crucial topic is being missed – research shows that searches of children’s eye health are strikingly low (6%), despite good vision being vital to children’s development
  • Challenges persist in being able to spot vision problems in children early, with experts warning around 1 in 5 children under 10 are living with a sight condition, meaning up to 1.6 million children across the UK are impacted 

Almost 88% of Scottish parents say they turn to the internet to decode how their child sees the world, with the most obscure and quirky searches revealed. These queries include ‘why do kids say 6 7?’, ‘why do kids eat sponges?’, ‘why do kids like sitting in a box?’ and ‘do kids naturally hate vegetables?’. 

A massive 79% of parents in Scotland struggle to understand their child’s weird and wonderful world, according to the research. However, the eye care experts at Specsavers, who commissioned the study, warn that a crucial topic is being missed – with 6% of parents seeking advice on their child’s vision.

When it comes to their child’s physical health, 90% of Scots have searched for answers online, with most common themes including high temperatures (47%), developmental milestones (41%), rashes or skin conditions (35%), or eating habits and nutrition (24%). Yet only 6% have ever sought advice about ways to improve kids’ eyesight.

Of those who haven’t, many say it’s because they didn’t spot vision problems in their child (32%) or believe their child is too young for it to be a concern (9%). Dr Nigel Best, Optometrist from Specsavers, highlights that children often don’t report vision issues because they assume what they see is normal – and regular eye tests are recommended from the age of three.

Child psychologist, Dr Elizabeth Kilbey, adds: ‘It’s not surprising parents are turning to search engines to help navigate the many questions that come with raising children – from behaviour and development to the often weird and wonderful things kids say or do.

“Children are curious and imaginative, and this plays a vital role in how they learn, explore and build confidence. Because so much of that discovery is visual, clear vision is crucial to their development.

“In all areas of life, and the classroom especially, clear vision is fundamental. Being able to see and focus underpins learning; when vision is affected, it can influence a child’s attention, engagement and behaviour. That’s why parents should prioritise eye health as an important part of their child’s overall wellbeing.’

The survey uncovers what Scottish parents search for most, with more 32% saying they search about their child’s habits or routines, 33% question whether certain behaviours of their child are common. Interestingly, while 88% admit their online searches regularly start with “Is it normal for my child to…”.

When it comes to their child’s eye health, 23% of Scottish parents are not aware of any common eyesight issues which can affect children, such as short-sightedness or lazy eyes (amblyopia). Worryingly, 9% of those polled, have never taken their child for an eye test, while 2% haven’t done so within the last two years.

The main reason for this was simply because their child hasn’t complained about their vision (26%), with 16% saying they would make an appointment if there appeared to be an issue. 

Dr Nigel Best, Optometrist from Specsavers, says: ‘This research proves how easy it is to overlook a child’s eye health unless obvious symptoms appear. But that’s why being proactive is so important.

“Regular eye tests can identify issues early – often before a child realises anything is wrong. What many parents may not realise is that many sight conditions, such as myopia in kids, can be managed or corrected if they’re detected before the age of eight, while vision is still developing.’

The research aims to encourage parents to prioritise their children’s eye health and reveals how children’s sight problems are going unnoticed. In fact, around 1 in 5 children under 10 experience sight conditions according to the Royal College of Ophthalmologists* – which is up to 1.6 million children in the UK.

Book your child’s NHS-funded eye test at Specsavers.co.uk for children under 16.

TOP 20 QUIRKY SEARCH TERMS ASKED BY SCOTTISH PARENTS

  1. Why are kids saying 6 7
  2. Do kids naturally hate vegetables
  3. Why do kids like sitting in a box
  4. Why do kids love cardboard boxes so much
  5. Why do kids say are we nearly there yet
  6. Why do kids fold their ears
  7. How common is it for children to get stuck in a washing machine
  8. Do kids write diaries without being told to
  9. Why do kids draw dogs all the same
  10. Why are kids talking in letters these days
  11. Why do kids like food in shapes
  12. Why are kids throwing popcorn at chicken jockey
  13. Why do kids act like cats
  14. Do kids poke each other’s bum
  15. How come most kids just instinctively make potions in the bathroom
  16. Why do kids cheer during fire alarm
  17. Do kids like to watch the water tornado in the bath
  18. Why do kids draw loads of fingers on hands
  19. Why do kids eat sponges
  20. Why are kids mewing