NSPCC Scotland

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

01/07/2026

We’re halfway through the year, and it’s a great time to pause and take stock. What are you most proud of? Where have you surprised yourself? What’s working for your family, and what needs to be tweaked?

We’re here for you, wherever you’re at. Search NSPCC for advice and support - from babies and sleep, to mental health, to online safety, and navigating difficult conversations. 💚🔎

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Image description:
Green post-it with a handwritten note saying 'Reminder: Take a moment to notice the progress you’ve made, the loads you’ve carried, the things you’ve juggled. You’ve handled more than you give yourself credit for.' This note is being held above a dish drying rack.

23/06/2026

As the summer holidays approach, many parents and carers are facing the challenge of balancing work and childcare - and for some, that can mean considering leaving children home alone.

Last year, the NSPCC Helpline made 197 referrals in Scotland about children being left home alone or unsupervised - an 18% increase from the year before.

Across the UK, contacts about this issue also rose, with 7,452 people getting in touch for advice or support.

There’s no legal age for leaving a child home alone, but every child is different - and it’s important they feel safe, confident, and prepared.

If you’re thinking about leaving your child unsupervised, take time to talk through possible situations, set clear boundaries, and make sure they know what to do if something goes wrong.

💬 If you’re worried about a child, or need advice, the NSPCC Helpline is here for you on 0808 800 5000.

🧒 Young people can contact Childline free on 0800 1111 or online.