SFA and Scottish FA give evidence now on rules for child footballers.

Our Head of Legal: “The underlying issue here, and it always has been, is that the clubs principally view these children as economic assets...SFA has made rules which are in the interests of clubs and not of the children.”

New research by our office, SAMH & YoungScot shows not enough is being done on mental health. The Scottish Government accepted Youth Commission on Mental Health Services recommendations, but 6 years on, lack of transparency means young people feel little progress & change.

Read more: bit.ly/3KhwSUD

From Scotland to Geneva! Our Young Advisor Robert took children’s voices to the UN on the #RightToEducation, speaking as 1 of only 5 children invited globally 🌎 — a first for
UN treaty-drafting.

What was it like?

Read his blog: bit.ly/3IdsYvB

Tomorrow @parliament.scot debates the SPCB Landscape Review and we welcome the Committee’s report and scrutiny
which has reasserted the value and ongoing need for the office of the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland.

Read our full briefing:

www.cypcs.org.uk/resources/sp...

Good to see @blairmcdougall.com introducing a 10 minute bill to remove crown immunity from SPS.

Our office has been calling on UK and Scottish govts to progress this since 2022. Statements here:
shorturl.at/TaPWJ
shorturl.at/z5SeO

Today is the first anniversary of UNCRC incorporation into Scots law. Having children’s rights in law is a huge milestone but it’s just one step. We’ll keep holding people in power to account so every child in Scotland can have their rights respected, protected, and fulfilled.

We've responded to the Scottish Parliament's Education, Children & Young People Committee's Call for Views on Daniel Johnson MSP's members bill on restraint and seclusion in schools in Scotland.

www.cypcs.org.uk/resources/re...

Important piece in yesterday's Sunday Post showing why legislation on restraint is so crucial.

We've been calling for statutory provision for 5+ years now. Good to see the govt (finally) offering its support.

Huge credit to the parent campaigners who've driven this. @bethmorrison.bsky.social

Children have the right to education – but too many Care Experienced children are being let down

@cypcs.bsky.social asked Who Cares? Scotland to look at education & what must change

Their findings echo their own report - system doesn’t work for all #UNCRCScotland

buff.ly/mQgwYYA

Thanks to the 6000 + children who joined us for our #InternationalDayofPlay assembly today with e-Sgoil. Special thanks to the amazing children from Windsor Park
who shared what they like to do to exercise their right to play, rest & relax😎. ENJOY!

Read more: bit.ly/3HC61l5

📣 JUSTICE is looking for its next two Legal Fellows, generously funded by @Linklaters LLP!

Fellows assist our legal team on key projects -researching legal reform, reviewing draft legislation, and supporting third-party interventions.

Learn more here: bit.ly/3GYpMTB

Important new research on deaths in custody and detention in Scotland. Fundamental concerns about investigations, learning & accountability and lack of support for bereaved people. @thesccjr.bsky.social.
://www.sccjr.ac.uk/news_item/new-study-reveals-record-numbers-are-dying-in-scottish-prisons/

UK Commissioners call for equal protection for all UK children. Scotland was first to ban physical punishment; as did Wales. Children in England & N Ireland are still not protected. All children deserve the same protection from violence as adults.

Statement: bit.ly/4jAwgXh

Young Advisor Robert blogs on e-Sgoil's Study Support. Our report makes recommendations to improve the education system, including urging Scottish Government to invest more in virtual school models. Robert reveals how he benefited from Study Support.

Blog: bit.ly/4lWaTRO

Report: bit.ly/3RsP6mt

Young footballers deserve protection from exploitation

But the organisation with the power to investigate and take action against clubs is reduced to writing a letter

This is nowhere near good enough

Teens experiencing homelessness whose school attendance is disrupted will still qualify for EMA from 2025-26 — a vital step after our report exposed the link between homelessness and education.

But with 10,360 kids in temp housing, there’s more to do. #HousingEmergency

🔗 shelterscotland.org/EMA25

📃 Our new report shows what must change in education to make rights real for every child. Our recommendations include support for the workforce, like this innovative work in @highland.gov.uk & @moraycouncil.bsky.social. Well supported adults means better supported children.

Report: bit.ly/3RsP6mt

📢 Commissioner: “Education reform’s glacial pace and wrong focus fails children.” ALL children have the right to an education that develops their personality, talents and abilities.

📘 Read our new report calling for substantial, urgent reform: bit.ly/3RsP6mt

Deeply concerning and sadly reflects what we've found in our own work in this area. For instance see our children's rights report on hotel-type accommodation from 2023 which draws on work by Prof Helen Ball from @durhamanthropology.bsky.social

🌟 Thank you to the thousands of children who joined our assembly today! 🎉 We loved celebrating #InternationalDayOfHappiness with you, exploring the right to good mental health in the #UNCRC and sharing what makes us smile. Keep laughing! 🤣

🚍 Our Young Advisors have been in schools with us, hearing directly from children about their experiences of education.

What they found? Young people want & have ideas for change — & they must be involved in education decision-making.

🎬 Watch the full film: bit.ly/4laRDzF

Here are the #10KeyMessages of the @coe.int European Committee of #SocialRights review on the #costofliving #crisis. They address:
#minimumwage #energy #food #socialprotection #housing #PWD #olderpersons #children #participation #poverty #socialexclusion
rm.coe.int/prems-022125...

Children have the right to protection from all forms of abuse or harm, in all aspects of their lives.

Statement: Commissioner supports Daniel Johnson's Bill on restraint and seclusion in education settings and urges the Scottish Government to go further.

bit.ly/3FDgH1R

Fantastic to see Daniel Johnson MSP’s Restraint & Seclusion Bill introduced to the parliament. The result of years of campaigning by so many people. Huge credit to all who fought so hard for it.
It’s important now that parliamentarians and govt support its principles and make sure it progresses.