Charity declares 'childhood emergency' after surge in online harm

Children First says we need 'national conversations and policy' to address problems created by social media

Author: Alice FaulknerPublished 23rd Oct 2024
Last updated 24th Oct 2024

A leading charity is declaring a "childhood emergency" in Scotland - after a surge of online bullying and attacks on kids.

Children First has said that roughly two thirds of adults feel the experience of growing up is worse than ever before.

The findings are a “horrifying wake-up call” by bosses at the charity, with "urgent action" needed to address rising levels of neglect, abuse, poverty and a mental health crisis caused by online harm.

'We are failing children'

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.”

'Cyberbullying is horrid'

Young people shared their concerns with the charity 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 content.

Names have been anonymised to protect the identity of the young people.

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 Jack shared: “Cyberbullying is horrid. It’s massive.”

Laura said she felt being online: “Can be scary because you don’t always know who people are.”

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