Charity warns of ‘digital destruction of childhood’ as almost two thirds of Scottish children admit they spend ‘too much time online.

Almost two thirds (64%) of children and young people said they spend too much or far too much time online, in responses to a new survey published by Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity today.

Warning that ‘Scotland risks sleepwalking into the digital destruction of childhood,’ the charity revealed the figures as it unveiled its strategic priorities for the next five years.

Eighty four percent of the 1032 children and young people aged between 11 and 25 surveyed by Young Scot for Children First felt that being online prevented them from having enough time for other activities.

Forty six percent of children and young people said being online stopped them from having time to relax without a screen, 43% said it stopped them from sleeping or resting, 36% said it stopped them being active or playing outside and 35% said it stopped them spending time with family.

Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children First said:

“Today children are more at risk and childhood is under threat in a way that has never been seen before. It is alarming that 85% of children and young people say that being online is stopping them from other activities that are vital to their healthy wellbeing and development. Without more urgent and sustained action across all sectors Scotland risks sleepwalking into the digital destruction of childhood.

“Increasingly digital devices are being placed in children’s hands before they are ready – not just  children and teenagers but also babies and toddlers.  So at best, a social media ban can only ever be a small part of the answer – we need to go further and faster if we are to protect Scotland’s children and protect childhood.

“At Children First we are committing to do everything we can to protect children from online harm through a public health approach that includes stronger regulation, delayed access to devices, better advice and support for parents and caregivers and investment in play, creativity and sport so children have real alternatives to being online.  Together, we can reclaim childhood and make sure it is protected and celebrated at every stage.”

Ten year old Poppy*, who was one of over 60 children and young people from across Scotland who shared their voices and views to inform Children First’s strategic priorities, said:

“Having a phone has ruined my time as a child. I still go outside but not as much. Whenever I ask friends to do stuff they are either busy or on their phones too much – a friend once had 16 hours [on their phone].

“When you get off your phone you realise there are so many things you can do.”

Last week with the support of 16 other organisations and national leaders, Children First wrote to the newly re-appointed First Minister and opposition leaders to urge them to ‘act swiftly to tackle  online harm’ calling it ‘the childhood emergency of our time’ in the first 100 days of the new Parliament.

As well as campaigning against online harm, Children First, which has been supporting babies, children and families in Scotland for over 140 years, has set out plans to:

•        Invest in the Children First support line so that every family in Scotland has somewhere to turn for help.
•        Strengthen families ability to protect their children by developing and delivering family support and therapeutic support.
•        Campaign to make sure the United Nations on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and delivery of the promise results in radical transformation for children within family support, health, child protection and justice systems.
•        Demand sustainable investment in prevention to keep children safe, loved and well with their families.
•        Improve support for children in need of care, protection and justice by growing their access to Bairns Hoose services.
•        Expand family group decision making services to make sure no child is unnecessarily removed from their home.
  
  

Children First’s support line can provide practical, emotional and financial support to parents and carers across Scotland, including those who are worried about their child being harmed online on 08000 28 22 33 or via webchat at www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline.

Ends

*Name changed to protect child’s anonymity.

1.      The survey of young people in Scotland ran from 21st April to 12th May 2026 on the Young Scot website. 1032 respondents completed the survey, although not all respondents gave an answer to each question.