Tag: Children and Families

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.

Free fun at West Pilton Park

EDINBURGH and LOTHIANS GREENSPACE TRUST

Looking for some free fun this Easter holiday in your local park?

Head along to any or all of these workshops all about nature in West Pilton Park!

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

New screening for rare condition in newborns

Test could enable earlier treatment and improve life chances

Scotland is now the first part of the UK to screen newborn babies for a rare condition which causes progressive muscle wastage.

The test for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), which can affect movement, breathing and swallowing, began this week. Previously, people affected will have been tested once they displayed symptoms.

The Scottish Government and pharmaceutical company Novartis are funding a two-year evaluation to assess how well SMA screening can detect the condition earlier, allowing babies to receive treatment as soon as possible.

On average, three to four babies per year are born with SMA in Scotland.

All parents are now offered SMA screening for their newborns through the existing blood spot test, which is taken around day four after birth.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Scotland is the first country in the UK to start the evaluation of SMA screening.

“SMA can have devastating implications for babies and their families, and this investment demonstrates our commitment to early detection through our screening programme.

“I thank SMA UK and local campaigners who have worked so hard to highlight this issue and Novartis for its funding. By detecting SMA before symptoms develop, screening could allow earlier treatment which could be life-changing and help secure the best possible care and support for babies and families.”

SMA UK charity CEO Giles Lomax said: “This milestone represents an important step forward for the SMA community.

“With all three treatments now routinely available through NHS Scotland alongside newborn screening, the future for anyone diagnosed with SMA is very different compared to their peers who were diagnosed symptomatically.

“These babies will now have the opportunity to grow up without life-long health care needs and the complexity and challenges of living with SMA.

“I would like to thank the Scottish Government, the numerous clinicians and the Scottish Muscle Network as well as Novartis for their on-going support to drive change.”

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Consultant Clinical Scientist and Director of the screening laboratory Dr Sarah Smith said: “We are working closely with the UK National Screening Committee and other UK laboratories to assess the screen in a real‑life setting.

“Our staff have worked tirelessly to begin screening as quickly as possible so we can start to understand the impact that earlier treatment may have on babies born with this condition.” 

UK and Ireland Chief Medical Officer at Novartis Rob Hastings said: “We are delighted that Scotland has become the first nation in the UK to introduce newborn screening for SMA, helping ensure families benefit from timely diagnosis.

“This programme marks a significant step forward in early detection and intervention, giving babies the chance to receive the care they need as soon as possible.

“Early identification of SMA can make a meaningful difference to children and their families, and we are confident Scotland’s participation will provide the evidence needed to make SMA a long term screening programme.”

Scottish Director of Screening Dr Tasmin Sommerfield said: “I am delighted that Scotland is following the advice of the UK National Screening Committee and commencing this in-service evaluation of SMA screening.

“It will allow babies with SMA to receive the best care and treatment as soon as possible.”

The Scottish Government provided funding of £95,000 towards the SMA screening evaluation, with Novartis providing £435,400.

NSPCC reveals new survey results ahead of election

NSPCC reveals nine in 10 adults in Scotland are concerned about child abuse – as charity calls on political parties to prioritise children’s safety

  • 87% adults in Scotland are concerned about child abuse and neglect
  • Yet 86% think child abuse and neglect can be prevented
  • NSPCC calling for all political parties in next Scottish Government to work together to prevent child abuse and neglect

Almost nine in 10 adults (87%) in Scotland are concerned about the risk of abuse and neglect facing children but 86% of those who expressed an opinion believe it can be prevented, a new NSPCC survey has revealed.

The Savanta poll of over 1,000 adults in Scotland also found that the majority (54%) believe the risk to children is greater than when they were growing up.

When asked to select the greatest risk facing children, over a third (34%) named online harms and more than one in four (27%) cited poverty and lack of basic resources.

NSPCC Scotland is publishing this data as part of its call to all political parties to work together to prevent child abuse and neglect to improve the lives of babies, children and families in Scotland ahead of the Scottish Parliament election in May.

The NSPCC recognises that Scotland has long aspired to give all children the best possible start in life. Yet too often child protection is only prioritised in response to distressing revelations of abuse, neglect, sexual exploitation and death.

The charity believes that children are being failed by fragmented early years policy, overstretched social work services, rising online harms and inconsistent access to healthy relationships education.

In the charity’s recent survey, respondents’ views on how best to address child abuse and neglect included, improve coordination between police, schools, health services and social care in protecting children, and the following:  

  • Better public awareness to help educate adults about the signs of child abuse and how to report it
  • Better education for children on identifying abuse and knowing how to get help
  • Improve training for teachers, health-workers and other frontline professionals in identifying and responding to child sexual abuse

Joanne Smith, NSPCC Scotland policy and public affairs manager, said: “All children have the right to a safe, happy, and healthy childhood.

“Scotland has long aspired to take a preventative approach, but we haven’t made the sustained investment or put in place the strong, lasting governance that’s needed to lead and coordinate this work and turn our shared ambition for children into reality.

“We now have the opportunity to change that. We need to build systems that identify risk early, support families before crisis, and protect children both online and offline.

“Our 5‑Point Plan for Prevention offers a roadmap that the next government can implement from day one. Preventing child abuse and neglect should be a national priority, and long-term commitment, that we invest in.

“We cannot afford to fail another generation of children.”

The charity’s 5‑Point Plan for Prevention calls for the next Scottish Government to:

Invest in babies and very young children to ensure every baby receives consistent, universal services, with early identification of families who need additional specialist support, re-establish early years as a cross-party priority, with a clear focus on parent–infant relationships.

Strengthen the child protection system to improve support for families who are carrying the heaviest load and listen to frontline social workers to understand gaps and pressures. Develop specialist, multi-disciplinary, preventative child protection teams in every area, and introduce a national digital ‘single unique identifier’ to track decisions and progress and ensure continuity and accountability across services. Also, deliver a National Social Work Agency that gives social workers the time, space, tools and confidence to offer early support to vulnerable families with very young children.

Prevent child sexual abuse by taking a public health approach by improving data on the scale and nature of sexual abuse and exploitation against children in Scotland, urgently address the downward trend in recorded concerns about child sexual abuse within social work statistics and design and resource a child protection system that can identify and respond to child sexual abuse.

Keep children safe online by ensuring early years, education, child protection, the voluntary sector and law enforcement work together with clear leadership from the next Scottish Government on prevention and recovery efforts. Consult with children and use this to design online safety policy. Set up a Strategic AI Advisory Group to provide expert advice to Ministers to ensure child safety and equality in all national activity related to AI.

Make healthy relationships education mandatory – as it is an opportunity to make sure that all children and young people know that they have a right to be treated, and responsibility to treat others, with dignity and respect. It can help pupils recognise healthy and unhealthy behaviour, and it helps protect children and young people from abuse.

For more information, visit NSPCC five-point plan.

NSPCC Scotland is urging any adult that has concerns about a child to contact the charity’s helpline or reach out to the relevant local authorities. Adults who are concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000, or email: help@NSPCC.org.uk

Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.  

scotland-5-point-plan-for-prevention-scottish-parliament-elections-2026Download