Scotland’s National Children’s Charity, Children First, has declared a “childhood emergency” in Scotland, with new research revealing most adults believe growing up in the country is worse than ever before. The charity says the findings are a “horrifying wake-up call”, with urgent action needed to address neglect, abuse, poverty and a mental health crisis caused by online harm.
Children First help children, their families and the people that care for them by offering emotional, practical, and financial support.
Mary Glasgow, Children First Chief Executive, said,
“Today we are declaring a childhood emergency in Scotland. The fact that almost two-thirds of people we surveyed believe growing up in our country is worse than ever should act as a horrifying wake-up call to everyone. We must put children first. Adults across Scotland are seriously concerned about the horrendous impact that smartphones, social media and harmful online content is having on the mental health of children. Sadly, childhood is getting shorter in the fast-paced and dangerous world we now live in. Our teams across Scotland support children who are distressed and at risk of serious harm and help them recover from unthinkable trauma and abuse. More than a third of sexual crimes recorded by Police Scotland are against children. And, one in four children still live in poverty. As a society we are failing children.”
The study coincides with the charity launching a refreshed brand which highlights the plight of Scotland’s children today and emphasises that Children First is here to protect all Scotland’s children from harm.
For further information, please visit the Children First website.
Anyone worried about a child in Scotland can contact the Children First support line by calling 08000 28 22 33 for free or visiting www.childrenfirst.org.uk
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