Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland

Black text on a blue background says “Children share their everyday rights essentials”. There are colourful graphics of children, books, food, a heart, and the United Nations logo on a Scottish saltire. The Children and Young People’s Commissioner’s logo is in the top right corner. The hashtags Human Rights Day and Our Everyday Rights are in the bottom right corner.

Happy Human Rights Day! This year's theme celebrates the connection between rights and happiness. Children have told us about the essentials in life that make them happy.

More here: bit.ly/3Mv7Rqe

#HumanRightsDay #OurEverydayRights

A large group of Young Advisors, the Commissioner’s team, and education leaders pose together at the end of the Shoogle Lab event. Everyone is smiling and holding up shoogle props like maracas, soft toys, and colourful objects. Two young people kneel at the front holding a “The Shoogle Lab” sign. Behind the group is a red Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland backdrop.

And that’s a wrap! Today’s #ShoogleLab has come to an end – huge thanks to our Young Advisors & everyone else who took part. Our work around children’s right to be listened to has been thought-provoking, powerful, exciting, and is starting to shake up the education system.

Two people stand smiling in front of a bright red backdrop with the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland logo. On the left is an adult woman with light hair tied back, wearing a black top and an orange lanyard. On the right is a young person with dark wavy hair, holding a red CYPCS-branded microphone and wearing a black top with a lanyard.

A group of adults sit around tables covered with red paper, talking and laughing during a workshop. One woman in a green top is speaking animatedly, while others listen and smile. Papers, cups, and markers are spread across the tables. Posters about children’s voices and education hang on the wall in the background.

A young person in a light grey hoodie stands smiling beside a large brass gong, facing an adult woman with long grey hair who is also smiling. Behind them is a speech-bubble poster featuring a child’s quote about adults being too busy to listen.

The #ShoogleLab is shaking things up! Our Young Advisors have been working with education leaders, experts & the incredible @dameevelynglennie.bsky.social to try to improve the education system — asking challenging questions about why it's important to listen to children.

Commissioner Nicola, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Young Advisors, and Prof Laura Lundy shake in front of a red screen ahead of the Shoogle Lab.

The day has finally arrived! We’re all set for our first #ShoogleLab. We’re bringing together children, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Prof Laura Lundy & people in power to shake up education. Let’s go!

Quote text appears on the left over a blue-tinted photo of Dame Evelyn Glennie playing large outdoor metal chimes. The quote reads: “Listening is the foundation of every meaningful educational journey. When we truly listen to children – attentively, and without assumption – we recognise their insights as an investment in our collective future.” Her name appears beneath the quote. On the right is the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland logo and the bright pink Shoogle Lab logo, surrounded by colourful icons representing rights, wellbeing and learning.

Excited to welcome Dame Evelyn Glennie, Prof Laura Lundy & education leaders tomorrow. Education is one of our priorities, & listening to children boosts learning, wellbeing & confidence. Tomorrow, our Shoogle Lab explores building this into every school.

More: bit.ly/3Y4J5zJ

A graphic with a dark blurred background of children sitting indoors. Large white text reads: “Scrapping the two-child benefit cap is a positive step, but more measures can be taken to tackle child poverty. Children have told me how concerned they are about the effect of poverty on themselves, on their families, and on their friends. They’ve talked about how it ruins childhoods.” In the bottom right is a photo of Commissioner Nicola Killean sitting and looking at the camera. In the top right is the red Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland logo. Under the quote, Nicola Killean’s name and title appear in red and blue text.

Ending the two-child cap is a positive step — it will help lift children out of poverty. But with 1 in 4 children in Scotland already in poverty, much more is needed. Scottish & UK governments must align strategies & centre children’s experiences & voices.

Statement: bit.ly/48eexjO

A promotional graphic for “The Shoogle Lab” showing children walking out of a school building. The headline reads “Let’s shake up education together! Take part and have your say!” A quote from a teacher says: “We had a lot of fun doing the activities and the teaching points were received well. As the game went on the frustration went up, specifically about their voices not being heard.” The Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland logo and “The Shoogle Lab” title are on the right. Icons include maracas, a calendar, and an envelope. Text at the bottom says: “Take part by Thursday 27 November 2025. Send your class’s feedback to: administration@cypcs.org.uk

Not long to go! We’re meeting education leaders soon and we want primary children’s voices at the heart of the conversation. Get your shoogle on and help us shake up education.
Take part by the end of 27 Nov: bit.ly/44j2ZKS

A small group of Young Advisors sit around a table during a workshop. One young person is holding up a colourful sheet of paper covered in drawings and notes, while the others look on and chat. Bright pens, drinks and a hoodie are scattered on the table in the meeting room.

The Commissioner sits at a table with members of the Young Advisors group in a bright meeting room. They are all smiling and laughing as the Commissioner reads from a sheet of paper. Snacks and drinks sit on the table, and a “sanitising station” sign is visible on the wall behind them.

A small group of Young Advisors sit around a table during a workshop. One young person is holding up a colourful sheet of paper covered in drawings and notes, while the others look on and chat. Bright pens, drinks and a hoodie are scattered on the table in the meeting room.

Brilliant Saturday with our Young Advisors — some soon to be first-time voters — exploring elections & shaping questions for our session with education leaders next month.

You can have your say too. Take part in our Shoogle Lab activities by 27 Nov: bit.ly/44j2ZKS

A promotional graphic for “The Shoogle Lab” showing children walking out of a school building. The headline reads “Let’s shake up education together! Take part and have your say!” A quote from a teacher says: “We had a lot of fun doing the activities and the teaching points were received well. As the game went on the frustration went up, specifically about their voices not being heard.” The Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland logo and “The Shoogle Lab” title are on the right. Icons include maracas, a calendar, and an envelope. Text at the bottom says: “Take part by Thursday 27 November 2025. Send your class’s feedback to: administration@cypcs.org.uk .

♥️Huge thanks to the thousands who joined our #WorldChildrensDay assembly with eSgoil! Primary classes can still have their say: try our Shoogle Lab activities and send views by 27 Nov to shape our session with education leaders next month.

Take part: bit.ly/44kmyCq

Don’t miss it! 🎵 A short teaser of our body percussion activity — one of the fun things children can do at tomorrow’s #WorldChildrensDay assembly with eSgoil as we explore rights and being heard.

Join live 9.30–10am, with BSL: bit.ly/4qCekiA

Digital poster promoting an online assembly for primary-aged children celebrating World Children’s Day and the right to be heard. The background shows children smiling and raising their hands. Main text reads: “Online assembly for primary-aged children. Join children across Scotland to celebrate #WorldChildrensDay & the right to be heard.” It lists activities: “Take part in a fun body percussion session with Solar Bear, learn about children’s rights and the UNCRC, share their views about where they feel heard.” Details: Thursday, 20 November, 9:30–10:00 am. “No registration needed — join live! With BSL interpretation.” Logos for BSL Interpretation, Scotland’s Assembly, e-Sgoil, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, and Solar Bear appear at the bottom.

⏰ This Thursday! Don’t miss our fun, interactive #WorldChildrensDay assembly with eSgoil — with BSL throughout.

🎵 Body percussion with: The Solar Bear
🗣️ Learn about your rights
💭 Share where you feel heard
📅 Thu 20 Nov
⏰ 9.30–10am

Join live: bit.ly/4qCekiA

We've been shaking up education with pupils at Whiting Bay Primary — listening to what life is like growing up on Arran and what helps them feel heard in school. You can shake things up too!

Take part in our Shoogle Lab activites before 27 November: bit.ly/49uEkq3

Watch our BSL video promoting this year’s #WorldChildrensDay assembly with eSgoil — and join us live with BSL included.

🎵 Body percussion.
🗣️ Learn about rights.
💭 Share where you feel heard.

📅 Thu 20 Nov ⏰ 9.30–10am

Join us live: bit.ly/4qCekiA

@BDA_Scot

We had a sailing start at Arran High — talking to pupils about island life, their right to be heard, and good listening. 🚢Day 2 today!

You can take part too: try our three Shoogle Lab activities & send feedback by 27 November.

Get involved: bit.ly/49uEkq3

A colourful graphic promoting the Shoogle Lab from the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. The headline reads: “Let’s shake up education together! New fun activities for primary-aged children.” It invites teachers to join in the Shoogle Lab to explore: How opinions are shared in school Who gets listened to How decisions are made Children can: Play a game about fairness and power Share how listened to they feel Roleplay about voices being heard Text at the bottom says: “Take part by Thursday 27 November 2025. Send your class’s feedback to: administration@cypcs.org.uk .” The image background shows smiling school children walking together, and the Shoogle Lab logo is shown on the right.

Not long to go! ⏰Every child has the right to be heard — but what helps them feel listened to?

Take part in our Shoogle Lab activities and share your pupils’ views on fairness and decision-making in school.

🗓️ Submit by 27 Nov → bit.ly/49uEkq3

European Convention on Human Rights turns 75 It's the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights today - we look back at cases that have impacted children's rights.

It’s the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights today – we highlight three cases which had a big impact on children’s rights in Scotland: bit.ly/47Vh43o

A colourful graphic promoting the Shoogle Lab from the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. The headline reads: “Let’s shake up education together! New fun activities for primary-aged children.” It invites teachers to join in the Shoogle Lab to explore: How opinions are shared in school Who gets listened to How decisions are made Children can: Play a game about fairness and power Share how listened to they feel Roleplay about voices being heard Text at the bottom says: “Take part by Thursday 27 November 2025. Send your class’s feedback to: administration@cypcs.org.uk .” The image background shows smiling school children walking together, and the Shoogle Lab logo is shown on the right.

Every child has the right to be heard — but what helps them feel listened to? Our Shoogle Lab activities help primary children explore decision-making in school. Their views will go to education leaders at our December event.

🗓️ Submit by 27 Nov: bit.ly/49uEkq3

Digital poster promoting an online assembly for primary-aged children celebrating World Children’s Day and the right to be heard. The background shows children smiling and raising their hands. Main text reads: “Online assembly for primary-aged children. Join children across Scotland to celebrate #WorldChildrensDay & the right to be heard.” It lists activities: “Take part in a fun body percussion session with Solar Bear, learn about children’s rights and the UNCRC, share their views about where they feel heard.” Details: Thursday, 20 November, 9:30–10:00 am. “No registration needed — join live! With BSL interpretation.” Logos for BSL Interpretation, Scotland’s Assembly, e-Sgoil, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, and Solar Bear appear at the bottom.

On #WorldChildrensDay, we team up with eSgoil for a fun, interactive online assembly (with BSL).

🎵 Body percussion with Solar Bear
🗣️ Learn about your rights
💭 Share where you feel heard
📅 Thu 20 Nov
⏰ 9.30–10am

Join live: bit.ly/4qCekiA

#ScotlandsAssembly

Text on a background showing a flooded street reads: “Those experiencing poverty are more likely to suffer the effects of climate change. Low-income households are 8 times more likely to be flooded. There are social dimensions to vulnerability to climate change, the effects of extreme weather events will not be distributed evenly.” Below, smaller text reads: “Response to Consultation on the Draft Environment Strategy.” On the right, the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland logo appears above an illustrated Earth showing one half sad and polluted, the other green and healthy.

🌎 Tackling climate change means tackling poverty and inequality. Families on the lowest incomes face the greatest challenges and yet have the fewest resources to adapt and recover from climate related events.

Read our consultation response: bit.ly/4hsob6J

Annual Report 2024 - 2025 Our Annual Report covers the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, marking Commissioner Nicola Killean’s first full year in the role. It reflects a landmark moment for children’s rights in Scotla...

We’re proud to share our Annual Report in British Sign Language (BSL). This year marks Commissioner Nicola Killean’s first full year — and the landmark incorporation of the UNCRC into Scots law.

Watch in BSL: bit.ly/4nqDTk7

Our Annual Report marks Commissioner Nicola Killean's first full year with UNCRC incorporation as the most significant change to our powers since 2003. Our values shine through with participation at the heart of our work.

Report, child-friendly, BSL: bit.ly/4nqDTk7

Statement: Commissioner's response to report on care at Melville Unit Children's Commissioner responds after a new report by the Mental Welfare Commission into the care of children at Melville Unit highlights potential rights breaches.

Response to report by @mentalwelfare.bsky.social into Melville Unit, raising serious concerns about the use of restraint. This month we warned Scottish Government we’d take legal action if it didn’t strengthen its commitments in this area. We’re pleased it will now do so bit.ly/3L8RDCp

Children plead for early childhood care and education to be part of the right to education Child representatives from all regions give their views on free pre-primary and secondary education. They offer global normative solutions to what they identified are global problems.

Great to see the UN spotlighting young people’s voices—including our Young Advisor Robert, one of only five children invited to speak in Geneva—on why early childhood care and pre-primary education must be recognised as part of the right to education.

bit.ly/4nn5LGt

Navy graphic with a large white quote: “We hope MSPs will support us in keeping the pressure on the SFA and the SPFL to remedy this long-running issue which continues to risk the violation of children’s rights to protection from economic exploitation.” — Nick Hobbs, Head of Legal. CYPCS round logo appears top right and a white-outlined football icon sits bottom right.

The Scottish Football Association and the Scottish Professional Football League gave evidence to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee at the Scottish Parliament yesterday. They made concessions regarding the treatment of youth footballers.

Read our response: bit.ly/46G4R0M

Blue graphic with CYPCS logo. Large white quote reads: “The inappropriate use of restraint can amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and is a breach of children’s human rights.” Attribution below: Nicola Killean, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. Orange weighing-scales icon on the right.

Commissioner Nicola Killean speaks today at the @parliament.scot Education, Children & Young People Committee on the Restraint & Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill. We support Daniel Johnson MSP’s Bill and call for statutory, human-rights-based guidance.

Read more: bit.ly/47Yxo3W

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.”

Young Advisor Saif heads to Romania on key children’s rights work Young Advisor Saif is working with other young people at the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children's 2025 conference in Bucharest, looking at the importance of the right to physical health.

We’re excited to support Young Advisor Saif to take part in the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children's conference in Romania, working with other young people from all over Europe on the right to physical health. Find out more: bit.ly/4mlRbhe

SPCB Supported Bodies Landscape Review Committee Debate The Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland briefing ahead of the SPCB Supported Bodies Landscape Review Committee Debate taking place on 18 September 2025.

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...

Quote graphic from Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. Text reads: ‘One thing is for sure, our participation was real, and we weren’t just there to tick a box.’ — Robert, Young Advisor. Background shows UN flagpoles; inset photo shows Robert in a red-and-white top seated at a UN desk with a nameplate reading ‘ROBERT’ and the UN emblem.

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

Graphic with a dark blue background featuring a quote from Nicola Killean, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. The quote reads: “Children have a right to good mental health care, but too often this is falling short. Six years on it is unacceptable that young people are unable to see or feel the impact of the changes that have been promised.” The word “unacceptable” is highlighted in red and “have been promised” in yellow. Nicola Killean’s name appears in red text, followed by her title in blue text. The logo of the Commissioner’s office is in the top right corner, and a photo of Nicola Killean is on the bottom right.

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