Children First's 2026 Holyrood Election Manifesto
Today, Children First unveils its manifesto for the 2026 Holyrood elections, urging the next Scottish Government to take action to tackle the national childhood emergency, protect children and safeguard childhood.
Children First’s manifesto calls for the next Scottish Government to:
• Deliver a comprehensive offer of Whole Family Support to tackle child poverty and give every family the emotional, practical and financial support they need.
• Take forward the consistent rollout of the Bairns Hoose model across Scotland, which offers a safe space for child victims and witnesses of crime to recover from harm.
• Commit to urgently tackling online harm, its impact on child development and the right to a safe childhood by collaborating on a national public health campaign.
Children First’s manifesto launch comes as rising numbers of children are seeking mental health support, schools are under pressure with the highest absentee rates in the UK and more children are experiencing online harm, with cybercrime doubling in recent years.
Poverty continues to trap families and impact on the health and wellbeing of babies and children, with many families unable to access the support they need to break free.
The charity’s manifesto was developed based on the needs and concerns of the children, young people and families Children First supports.
For example, Joe said: “It feels like there’s no one that helps families at the moment.”
Evangeline age 17, said: “A year ago, I had no confidence and no hope. Now, I feel proud of myself. I’ve found purpose and I’m doing amazing things with Bairns Hoose by my side.”
Sam, age 10, said: “People in Scotland are worried about staying safe online… whether people are who they say they are.”
The charity recently found 85 percent of parents and carers don’t know where to turn when bringing up children gets tough and that most people, including children, believe growing up in Scotland is worse now than in the past.
Mary Glasgow, Children First Chief Executive said:
“There is a childhood emergency in Scotland and the cost of inaction is generational.
“Families feel alone and aren’t getting the help and support they need when they need it. This makes it harder for children to attend school, feel safe in their communities and stay protected online. All while thousands of children and young people wait for mental health support.
“Children First’s manifesto sets out urgent actions the next Scottish Government must take to put children first, protect children and protect childhood.”
The charity’s manifesto also calls for the Scottish Child Payment to be increased, child poverty targets to be met and for the Scottish Government to keep the Promise to care experienced children and young people that they will grow up loved, safe and respected.
Glasgow added: “Children First’s manifesto sets out a bold, achievable vision for change. We know from our experience of supporting children and families across the country that change is possible. Together, Scotland can build a bright, safe future for every child.”
Read the full manifesto here: manifesto-2025.pdf
Notes to Editors
Almost 100 children a day are referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Children First.
Persistent absence rates in Scottish schools are the worst in the UK. Scottish Government 2024.
Cybercrime has doubled since 2019-20 (Scottish Government, 2025).