NSPCC Scotland

01/09/2026

Responding to the First minister's pledge to tackle violence against women and girls set out by John Swinney in the The Scottish Government's Programme for Government earlier today, Joanna Barrett, acting head of policy (devolved nations), said: "We are heartened by the First Minister's commitment to tackling misogyny and violence against women and girls in his Programme for Government speech.

"A crucial part of addressing these attitudes and behaviours, and protecting women and girls, is delivering relationships, sexual health and parenthood (RSHP) education. Yet Scotland is the only part of the UK where relationships education has no statutory underpinning.

"Young women have told us that the education they receive is too often inconsistent and out of date with their realities. The NSPCC is calling on the Scottish Government to ensure all children and young people across Scotland have guaranteed access to high-quality healthy relationships education."

Programme for Government 2026-2031.

01/09/2026

💙 For many children and young people, going back to school is exciting. But for some, it can bring feelings of anxiety, stress and worry.

Between April 2025 and March 2026, Childline delivered 1,531 counselling sessions to children across the UK where concerns about going back to school or college were mentioned. The most common concern was mental and emotional health, with many young people also sharing worries about friendships, bullying, loneliness, academic pressure and starting a new school year.

One young person told Childline:

"I am feeling really anxious about going back to school... I am scared as I will have no-one to talk to. I feel so lonely."

If your child is feeling nervous about school, taking time to listen, talk openly about their worries and helping them feel prepared can make a real difference.

And if you're a young person feeling worried, remember you're not alone. Talking to someone you trust can help, and Childline is always here to listen.

📞 Childline: 0800 1111
💻 www.childline.org.uk

If you're concerned about a child, contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000.

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30/08/2026

Referrals by the NSPCC Helpline to agencies in Scotland about children experiencing domestic abuse have risen by 27% in the last year.

During 2025 to 2026, the NSPCC Helpline made 276 referrals to local agencies, including the police and children’s social work, where domestic abuse was the main concern.

Domestic abuse isn't always physical. It can also include coercive control, emotional, verbal and financial abuse and it can cause long-lasting harm to a child's wellbeing.

Children affected may show signs such as withdrawal, aggression, anxiety, difficulties at school or changes in behaviour such as bed wetting.

If you're worried about a child, trust your instincts and seek support. Speaking up could be the first step towards helping a child and family get the support they need.

📞 NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
📧 [email protected]

14/08/2026

📚🎒 Back-to-school butterflies? You're not alone.

As children across Scotland get ready to head back to the classroom, many are feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. New Childline data reveals that more than 1,500 counselling sessions across the UK last year mentioned returning to school or college, with emotional wellbeing being the most common concern.

To help children feel confident and prepared for the new school year, we've teamed up with to share five simple tips for parents and carers:

✅ Encourage children to write down their worries and what they are excited about
✅ Start getting back into routines before term begins
✅ Talk through what the school day will look like
✅ Make time for activities they enjoy when they are back at school
✅ Look out for changes in behaviour and seek support if you are worried

Every child experiences change differently, but open conversations, reassurance and a little preparation can help make the transition easier. ❤️

If you're worried about a child, our Helpline is here to help on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected]. Young people can contact Childline free and confidentially on 0800 1111 or online www.childline.org.uk.

07/08/2026

🎉 A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at the NSPCC Scotland Hub in Glasgow to celebrate Play Day 2026! 🎉

It was wonderful to welcome NSPCC staff, volunteers, professionals and supporters on Wednesday (August 5) for a fun-filled morning to celebrate the power of play and learn more about how the NSPCC supports babies, children and young people.

Visitors enjoyed taking part in a range of activities throughout the day, including a treasure hunt, a teddy bears' picnic, and a stepping stones game. There was also the chance to explore a fascinating Toys Through the Ages display, featuring everything from traditional favourites such as board games, skipping ropes and hopscotch to modern high-tech toys.

Alongside the fun, visitors were invited to find out more about NSPCC services and resources, including Digital Citizenship, Childline, Baby Steps and Pregnancy in Mind (PiM) and the vital support they provide to families, children and young people.

Play is so important for helping children learn, develop confidence, build relationships and make sense of the world around them. We loved seeing so many people reconnect with their inner child, share memories and create new ones together.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped to make the day such a success. 💚

04/08/2026

We had a great time at Lanarkshire Pride this weekend, showing that the NSPCC is here for all young people, including those in the LGBTQ+ community.
We were able to take part and celebrate alongside so many wonderful people thanks to the generous support of our partner Lidl GB.
Children and young people are reaching out to Childline to talk about their concerns and questions around gender and sexuality. Last year alone, our trained counsellors delivered over 3,000 counselling sessions on the topic.
Thank you, Lanarkshire, and thank you, Lidl

27/07/2026

We’re delighted to welcome Gillian Bruton, our new Scottish Trustee.

Our Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall control and direction of the NSPCC.

Gillian’s career has spanned more than 40 years in business, including serving as Finance Director for Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd, and Chief Financial Officer at AGS Airports Ltd.

Gillian is pleased to join the NSPCC Board and is looking forward to working with colleagues across the organisation to support babies, children and young people.

24/07/2026

Summer can be a particularly difficult time for children and young people struggling with body image concerns.

New Childline data shows our counsellors delivered 3,364 counselling sessions about body image issues and eating disorders to children across the UK between April 2025 and March 2026, with support requests peaking during the summer months.

Young people tell Childline they feel pressure to look a certain way, compare themselves to influencers online, and are affected by content such as calorie-counting and “what I eat in a day” videos.

If a child is worried about their body image or eating habits, it's important to listen without judgement and remind them support is available.

💚 Childline is here for every child, whatever they're going through. Children can contact a trained counsellor free and confidentially on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk for support.

21/07/2026

🌈 We were proud to be at Glasgow Pride this weekend, showing that the NSPCC is here for all young people, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. 🏳️‍🌈💚

🎉 We were able to attend and celebrate alongside so many wonderful people thanks to the generous support of our partner Lidl GB. It was a joyful day and so much fun! 😊🙌

💬 Children and young people are reaching out to Childline to talk about their concerns and questions around gender and sexuality. Last year alone, our trained counsellors delivered over 3,000 counselling sessions on the topic. 💚

✨ Thank you, Glasgow, and thank you, Lidl 💚🌈

🏳️‍🌈💚✨

08/07/2026