'Childhood emergency' declared as growing up in Scotland rated worse than ever before

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes says tech giants need to do more to prevent children seeing harmful content online, as a major charity declares a “childhood emergency” in Scotland.

Children First says urgent action needs to be taken to address the mental health crisis caused by social media, adding the experience of growing up in Scotland is worse now than ever before.

The charity declared the childhood emergency after carrying out a survey last month, which revealed 84 per cent of Scots are very or extremely worried about the impact social media is having on young people.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes | Getty Images

A further 81 per cent said they are also worried about children’s access to violent content online. 

Ms Forbes said the Scottish Government was investing millions in tackling child mental health, but stressed social media giants need to play their part too.

Speaking to BBC Good Morning Scotland, she said: “Children 1st has illustrated this needs to be approached by both government and civic society. I was taken aback by some of the figures.

“This is why we are providing local authorities with £15 million to fund community-based mental health support. But that is retrospective and dealing with the problem once it has already arisen, which is important. But there needs to be a focus on prevention when it comes to online content. Love politics? Then sign up for The Steamie daily newsletter

“We do need to focus on supporting CAMHS [Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services], but we can’t get away from the responsibility on the tech side to reduce harm in the first place.”

Ms Forbes said the “extremely stark” figures also showed why the Scottish Government was committed to eradicating child poverty. She said she wanted to see the UK government taking action on this when it sets out its Budget next week.

Children First said the figures needed to be a “horrifying wake-up call” on the urgent need to protect children from online harm.

A major charity has declared a 'childhood emergency' in Scotland. | Adobe stock

Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children First, said: “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.”

Ms Glasgow added: “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.

“As a society, we are failing children.”

The warning comes after communications regulator Ofcom announced new measures requiring websites to minimise children’s exposure to violent, hateful and abusive material, including online bullying.

The watchdog also called for a crackdown on content that promotes dangerous challenges, suicide, eating disorders and pornography. These new rules are expected to be finalised in summer 2025.