‘Our kids are suffering,' Scots parents say children don't have enough friends and are glued to computers
Scroll down to see sweet kids' view of the future
CHILD'S PLAY 'Our kids are suffering,' Scots parents say children don't have enough friends and are glued to computers
THE majority of Scots believe they had a safer, easier and better childhood than their kids.
The main concerns for youngsters are their safety, internet accessibility — and the climate.
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6
Parents think their kids have a worse childhood than them
The stats are revealed ahead of Childhood Day tomorrow, when charity NSPCC encourages families to celebrate the joys of being a kid.
Chris Sherwood, CEO of the NSPCC, said: 'It is human nature to want something better for your children, but our research suggests that parents believe we are trending in the wrong direction in terms of childhood experiences.
'Lack of in-person play is a concern for parents. Children playing more with their friends and family, both inside and outside, can only be a good thing for their physical and mental wellbeing. The NSPCC's Childhood Day is all about bringing families, friends and communities together to celebrate childhood.'
To mark the day we have spoken to five youngsters about what they love and hate about being a kid and what the future holds for them.
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Georgia, 6, Uddingston
6
Georgia wants to be a gymnast
1. What do you want to do for a job when you grow up?
A gymnast
2. What do you think your life will be like in the future when you are grown up?
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I'll be a mum and there will be robots
3. What is the best thing and worst thing about being a kid?
Best thing is that you get to have so much fun. The worst thing is that my brother annoys me.
Children banned from using phone for more than 1 hour per day under new law – but it all depends on the app
4. If you could be the parent for the day, what rules would you have?
I would tell adults they had to need to spend time with their family.
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5. What do you love about Scotland and where you live?
My friends are nearby and we love to play together.
Dan, 13, from Dunblane
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Dan says Scotland has beautiful views
1. What do you want to do for a job when you grow up?
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I'm not really sure, but maybe something connected to the sciences.
2. What do you think your life will be like in the future when you are grown up?
Maybe living abroad and having a family
3. What is the best thing and worst thing about being a kid?
Best - not having things like bills and jobs to worry about. Worst - not having enough independence!
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4. If you could be the parent for the day, what rules would you have?
I would probably try to make my children act responsibly, and be kind to each other
5. What do you love about Scotland and where you live?
I love the kindness of the people and the beautiful views
Mira, 6, Paisley
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Mira wants to be an artist
1. What do you want to do for a job when you grow up?
I want to be an artist
2. What do you think your life will be like in the future when you are grown up?
Just a good life
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3. What is the best thing and worst thing about being a kid?
Best thing is I get lots of toys to play with, and I love cuddles. Worst thing is having to listen to my parents.
4. If you could be the parent for the day, what rules would you have?
I'd tell the kids to stop messing up the room and making us tidy up! Do your homework on time. Never lose your library books.
5. What do you love about Scotland and where you live?
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Because I can explore lots of things like mountains and castles and snow.
Anjeli, 9, Paisley
6
Anjeli says Scotland's water tastes great
1. What do you want to do for a job when you grow up?
I don't know yet
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2. What do you think your life will be like in the future when you are grown up?
Full of robots in your head
3. What is the best thing and worst thing about being a kid?
Best thing is that you actually get to play. Worst thing is that you need to do maths.
4. If you could be the parent for the day, what rules would you have?
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No killing games for kids. No watching things that you know is inappropriate for your age. Eat all your food.
5. What do you love about Scotland and where you live?
I love where I live because I live with my family. The water tastes best in Scotland.
GO THE EXTRA MILE
AS part of Childhood Day Scots can volunteer for NSPCC collections, organise their own event and take part in the Childhood Day Mile.
Children can do their mile by parading in the playground, dancing in the dinner hall or lunging in between lessons. They can even get the whole family involved and take on a mile walk together.
More than 80 per cent of the NSPCC's income comes from donations and the charity says it's essential its services, like Childline, are there for those children that need help.
The organisation will be collecting at Edinburgh Waverley train station tomorrow (June 6), at Glasgow Central Station and Tesco in Musselburgh, on Saturday, at Tesco in Dunblane, on June 14 and at the Stereophonics gig at Bellahouston Park, in Glasgow, on June 28.
If you can spare time to volunteer and help with collections, email ScotlandFundraisingTeam@NSPCC.org.uk or find out more at nspcc.org.uk/childhood-day
Dylan, 8, Uddingston
6
Dylan wants to be a footballer
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1. What do you want to do for a job when you grow up?
Football player
2. What do you think your life will be like in the future when you are grown up?
I think technology will take over in the future and there will be flying cars.
3. What is the best thing and worst thing about being a kid?
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Best thing is that you can do fun things like sleepovers when you're a kid. The worst thing is school.
4. If you could be the parent for the day, what rules would you have?
My rule would be that adults have to give kids everything they wanted.
5. What do you love about Scotland and where you live?
I love to go to Celtic Park to watch the football.
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