Many children like to play online games and, this last year especially, more and more young people have been spending a lot of time on tablets, phones and other devices.
April is Stress Awareness Month, and it is a good time to reflect on the last year and how the pandemic has affected so many families, in lots of different ways.
We know that babies’ and toddlers’ experiences in early childhood will have a profound impact on the rest of their life. Yet, unfortunately, this stage of a child’s life can often be overlooked and under-supported in policy and service delivery.
This week marks one year since the start of our first national lockdown, when we were told that we would need to stay in our homes and only leave for essential reasons.
Last week brought good news for England and Wales as the UK Government announced that the Position of Trust law will be extended to sports coaches and faith leaders, meaning they cannot have sex with 16 and 17-year-olds in their care.
When children and young people play games online, it should be a fun experience and a time for them to be entertained, connect with friends and even learn new skills.
With children having returned to school last week, along with some secondary school senior pupils for practical work, many parents will be relieved at the prospect of less homeschooling.
We know that the last year has brought many challenges for children and young people; with schools closed to most for months, many support networks being stopped or reduced and some children feeling trapped in unsafe homes.
We know that the internet is a great tool for children to learn, play and share knowledge, but it is also a place where false information can be easily spread.
At Childline, we know how tough the last year has been for children and young people. Their school routine has been disrupted, support networks limited, and they have faced the uncertainty of what the future will bring.
As we start the new year in another period of lockdown with schools closed once again, we are very conscious of the many children who will be feeling isolated and alone.
At the beginning of 2021, many of us will embark on New Year’s resolutions, perhaps getting some exercise, giving up a guilty pleasure, or spending more time doing the things you love.
But this January, the NSPCC is asking you to commit to one more resolution. If you can spare some time and energy, please help us make 2021 a better year for children across Scotland.
Last month, when the new law giving children the same protection from physical assault as adults came into force in Scotland, we took a historic step forward in making it a country where children’s rights are fully recognised, respected and fulfilled.
We know that bullying can have a huge impact on children and young people’s mental and physical wellbeing. It can leave them with feelings of depression and anxiety, cause them to socially withdraw, and even lead them to have suicidal thoughts.
Online gaming is a huge part of many children’s lives.
It’s a great way for them to be entertained, creative and connect with friends, especially as we’re coming into the winter months and spend more time indoors.
As the country marks Black History Month, it is a good time for parents and carers to start conversations with their children about race, diversity and inclusivity.
At the weekend we marked World Mental Health Day and this year’s theme was “mental health for all”, which seemed particularly pertinent with the adverse impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on so many.
We know that as children and young people develop and grow through their teens, it’s natural that they will become curious about topics such as relationships and sex.
We know that the shockwaves of the coronavirus pandemic have been difficult for many people in different ways, and we want to make it clear that as we move from crisis to recovery, we’re still here for children.