The experience of growing up in Scotland is worse now than it ever has been before, according to experts (stock image) (Image: Children First)

"Childhood emergency" declared in Scotland amid surge in online bullying

by · Daily Record

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A "childhood emergency" has been declared in Scotland amid a surge of online bullying and attacks on kids.

Experts say that the experience of growing up in the country is worse than it has ever been before. The national emergency has been announced by Children First as the charity called for urgent action to address a mental health crisis caused by online harm.

It comes amid the Record's Our Kids ... Our Future campaign, which has specifically called on social media giants to remove violent clips of attacks on young people from their platforms before they go viral. Our Kids ... Our Future was launched in February last year after a sickening series of attacks on youths took place across the country.

In most cases, victims were taunted with cruel comments online before being attacked, with their assaults filmed and uploaded to social media for "likes and popularity".

Mary Glasgow, Children First chief executive, said: “The Daily Record has done some important work over the last two years highlighting some of the horrific bullying, violence and abuse that some children and young people have suffered. These heartbreaking stories highlight the serious issues with cyberbullying, smartphones and social media that are fuelling this childhood emergency.

“Content showing such extreme and disturbing acts of violence should not be on social media. The big companies must take responsibility for this and put safeguards in place to stop our children and young people from seeing this.”

The Record's Our Kids ... Our Future campaign

A survey conducted by the charity in September, which questioned more than 1,200 Scots, revealed that 84 per cent of participants were very or extremely worried about the impact of social media on children and young people. A further 81 per cent also revealed that they were worried about children's access to violent content online.

Of the participants, 63 per cent revealed that they believe childhood is worse now for children in Scotland than it was in the past. Children First say the damning findings should act as a "horrifying wake-up call", with urgent action needed to protect youths from harm online.

Ms Glasgow 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.

"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.”

Children First Chief Executive, Mary Glasgow. (Image: Children First)

In May, new measures announced by Ofcom stated that sites should minimise children’s exposure to violent, hateful and abusive material, including online bullying. Under the Children’s Safety Code of Practice, the watchdog also called for a crackdown on content promoting dangerous challenges, relating to suicide, eating disorders and porn.

Ofcom’s new guidelines will set out more than 40 measures for tech companies including robust age-checks to manage the content kids are accessing. The new rules are expected to be finalised in summer 2025,

Speaking at the time, Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom Chief Executive, said: “We want children to enjoy life online, but for too long, their experiences have been blighted by seriously harmful content which they can’t avoid or control. Many parents share feelings of frustration and worry about how to keep their children safe.

"That must change.”

The Record has demanded social media giants to remove violent clips of teens from their platforms before they are circulated

Young people shared their concerns with Children First at a recent workshop. The group revealed worries about cyberbullying, the dark side of social media, the sharing of photos and videos without permission, the use of artificial intelligence, unwanted contact from strangers and being served dangerous and explicit clips.

One young person, Chloe, said: “It can be really traumatising with what’s going on online. Teenagers can overthink a lot, have a lot of insecurities and can be really anxious.”

Another young person named Jack said: “Cyberbullying is horrid. It’s massive.”

The charity also declared the national emergency in response to worrying levels of child poverty and child sex abuse.

Our Kids Our Future

Ms Glasgow said: "More than a third of sexual crimes recorded by Police Scotland are against children. And, one in four children still live in poverty. Our work is more vital than ever.

"All children should have hopes, dreams, prospects and opportunities. But, for many, they simply don’t exist. That’s why we will do whatever it takes to help children and give them hope for a brighter future.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We want to ensure that young people are safe from online abuse, including bullying and are investing in initiatives that support them to navigate online spaces and use screen time in a healthy, balanced and positive way. "We also support parents and carers to ensure that they have the information to guide children and recognise when a child is at risk.

“The regulatory responsibility around online content and mobile phones lies with the UK Government. Ministers recently met with Ofcom and emphasised the need for the UK Government’s Online Safety Act to deliver effective and improved safeguards for children and young people online, including more prescriptive guidance to providers on identifying and quantifying child users of their service.”

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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