Commissioner Nicola Killean responds to a new report by the Mental Welfare Commission into the treatment of children at Skye House, and says she is still extremely concerned by potential rights breaches, including around the use of restraint.
Statement: bit.ly/4cBd8re
It's #SaferInternetDay & this year's theme focuses on AI. We know AI brings opportunities but rights must be protected and children should be given tools and skills to use AI, and be active participants in discussions around it. Statement: bit.ly/4ksrThV
10.02.2026 08:46 — 👍 4 🔁 1 💬 1 📌 0
⏰ Just days left to apply!
Are you 12–16 and want to help shape decisions affecting children & young people in Scotland?
🌟 Join our Young Advisors
🤝 Monthly meet-ups (online & in person)
💳 Expenses paid
🧏♀️ Open to all backgrounds & accessibility needs
🗓 Apply by 1 Feb 👉 bit.ly/4p2tz2r
Graphic for #InternationalDayOfEducation titled “Our work on education, with children and young people.” The Children & Young People’s Commissioner Scotland logo appears at the top. On the left are photos including the report “This is our lives, it matters a lot” and a group photo from the Shoogle Lab. On the right, a checklist highlights key work: publishing a report on children’s experiences of school and recommendations for change; Young Advisors gathering views in schools and sharing children’s experiences with inspectors and the United Nations; research exposing barriers faced by care experienced children in education; children with additional support needs sharing what would make learning easier; and Shoogle Lab bringing children and education leaders together to strengthen participation in education.
Education is a human right — and children’s views must be at the heart of how it’s delivered.
This #InternationalDayOfEducation, we’re sharing how we’ve been working alongside children and young people to shape education reform and create a system that works for all.
Read: bit.ly/49zQnCi
Graphic for #InternationalDayOfEducation showing a classroom scene in soft focus behind a cartoon avatar labelled “Elsie.” The Children & Young People’s Commissioner Scotland logo appears in the top right. Large white text reads: “A good teacher listens to us, not just our words, but also our behaviour, which can sometimes say even more.”
Education isn’t just about lessons and exams — it’s about how children feel in school.
Young Advisor Elsie’s blog for #InternationalDayOfEducation reflects on why feeling safe and supported matters to ensuring the right to education is realised every day.
Elsie's Blog: bit.ly/3ZxjMqE
Plenty time left to apply! ⏰
Join our Young Advisors! 🌟Are you aged 12–16 and want to make a difference for children & young people in Scotland?
🤝Meet monthly (online & in person)
💳Expenses paid
✨No experience needed
🧏♀️All backgrounds & accessibility needs welcome
Apply by 1 Feb 👉 bit.ly/4p2tz2r
🌟 Join our Young Advisors! 🌟Are you aged 12–16 and want to make a difference for children & young people in Scotland?
🤝Meet monthly (online & in person)
💳Expenses paid
✨No experience needed
🧏♀️All backgrounds & accessibility needs welcome
Apply by 1 Feb 👉 bit.ly/4p2tz2r
🎉 Ready for something new in 2026?
Become a Young Advisor (ages 12–16) & work with the Commissioner to help make sure children’s voices are heard across Scotland.
✨ Learn new skills
✨ All backgrounds & accessibility needs welcome
✨ Make a difference
Apply: bit.ly/4p2tz2r
We wish you season's greetings. Please note our office is closed over Christmas (from Wednesday, 24 December, 2024, and reopening on Monday, 5 January, 2026). We will not be able to respond to any enquiries during this period and inboxes/voicemail will not be monitored. Please refer to the FAQs on the website for information on the most common rights issues and alternative sources of advice and support. If you are concerned that a child may be at immediate risk of harm, please urgently contact your local Social Work Department or Police Scotland (dialling 999 in an emergency).
We wish you season's greetings. Please note our office is closed over Christmas (from Wednesday, 24 December, 2024, and reopening on Monday, 5 January, 2026). We will not be able to respond to any enquiries during this period and inboxes/voicemail will not be monitored.
24.12.2025 10:01 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Want to make a big difference to children’s rights in Scotland? We’re looking for passionate 12-16 year olds to join our Young Advisors. Work with the Commissioner – no experience needed, expenses paid, support given, & fun guaranteed!
Apply: bit.ly/4p2tz2r
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.
05.12.2025 15:45 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
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.
05.12.2025 13:43 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
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!
05.12.2025 10:39 — 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
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
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
04.11.2025 12:57 — 👍 2 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
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
