Children’s Health Scotland welcomes and supports the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland (CYPCS) position that there is not enough evidence to show a blanket social media ban will protect children’s rights. At the heart of this conversation are children’s voices—and what they are telling us is clear: safety matters, but so does connection, participation, […]
health
Every Child Has a Shadow: The Right to Be Seen
This story introduces us to a child whose “shadow” does not match the expectations placed upon them. Their interests, their expression, and their sense of self sit outside what others believe is acceptable. What follows is not just a story about difference—it is a story about visibility, courage, and the conditions children need to truly […]
“We Want Change”: Health Rights Defenders Share Their Story Through Film
What does it really feel like to grow up in Scotland today with a health condition — waiting, navigating systems, and too often feeling unheard? On Saturday 30 May, our Health Rights Defenders began to answer that question in their own words, as we came together to watch the first cut of a powerful new […]
Protection Without Participation Is Not Protection: Children’s Health Scotland Responds to Social Media Ban Consultation
Children’s Health Scotland has published its response to the national consultation on proposals to introduce a social media ban for under 16s, drawing directly on the voices of children, young people, parents and carers. While the intention to improve online safety is welcomed, the organisation is urging policymakers to rethink a blanket ban approach, warning that […]
“Sometimes You Have to Be a Little Brave”: Volunteering, Voice and Seeing Ourselves on Stage
Elodie is ten. She’s thoughtful, creative, and clear about one thing: children deserve to be listened to when it comes to their health. She also knows how often decisions are made around children rather than with them, which is why she’s a Health Rights Defender. As a Health Rights Defender, Elodie gives her time, ideas and creativity to help adults understand what it’s really like to […]
All Hands on Deck! Pirate Adventure Delivers Powerful Boost to Kinship Families’ Health and Wellbeing
Families from across Scotland set sail on a day of laughter, movement and connection as Children’s Health Scotland launched its first Bear’s Big Adventure Day of 2026 — a swashbuckling pirate takeover at M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park. Disguised as a day of pure fun, Bear‑ied Treasure delivered something far more powerful: inclusive, child‑led health‑related play […]
SMS: Growing our Confidence Together
Our Self-Management Skills (SMS) programmes help children feel more comfortable together while beginning to explore Self-Management Skills. During our programme this week it has been wonderful to see confidence starting to grow as the children and young people settle into the group.
SMS:FACE TO FACE Is Back — And We’re Off to a Brilliant Start!
Our brand-new round of SMS:FACE TO FACE is underway, and we are already having an amazing time learning, sharing, playing, and growing together. Over the next six weeks, children and young people taking part will explore what it means to understand and manage their health — all with the support of peers who truly get […]
Story With Rory: Marking Six Years Since COVID‑19 With “And The People Stayed Home”
Six years ago, our world changed in ways we never imagined. The COVID‑19 pandemic reshaped daily life for children, young people, families, and communities across Scotland and around the world. It was a time filled with uncertainty — but it was also a time when stories, creativity, and moments of connection became essential. As we […]
Finding our Rhythm with the SMS HUB
Our January SMS:HUB session started the year on a real high — full of energy, creativity, and connection. After the holidays, it was wonderful to see everyone logging back on, sharing stories, and settling into that familiar buzz that always fills the HUB. This month, the young people chose a theme that set the tone […]
