For Children and Young People
For Kids
Links for Children and Young People
All children and young people have a right to feel safe and be protected from harm and abuse.
Sometimes adults are not able to look after their children properly or may harm a child in some way. In most cases, help and support can be given to the family to help them to care for their children in a better way. All parents and children will probably need support at some point in their lives and it is not your fault if you are being hurt in any way.
If you are worried or don't feel safe, please talk to an adult you trust.
We also hope you find the links to other pages helpful if you are having other problems such as bullying, or want to know how to stay safe when using you or mobile phone or internet.
www.childline.org.uk
Also has 24 hour free phone number - 0800 1111
For confidential help and advice for children in distress or danger.
www.childrens-hearings.co.uk
This Scottish Government site has a section specially for children to let you know how the Children's Hearings system works.
www.infoscotland.com/childprotection
Also has 24 hour free phone number - 0800 022 3222
If you have any concerns about another child or young person or would like more general information on child protection.
www.donthideit.com
If you or someone you know is being hurt or is unsafe, it's important to speak out - tell someone about it. This site gives more information about what this means and what you can do about it. There is also information about safer surfing and safe use of mobile phones.
www.nacoa.org
Also has a confidential free phone line - 0800358 3456 (but not 24 hours)
National Association for Children of Alcoholics was founded to provide information, advice and support for children of alcohol dependent parents and people concerned for their welfare.
www.bullying.co.uk
Mobile phones are great - but text bullies can use mobiles to get at you anytime. All bullying is wrong. This site gives tips on how to help you make a text bully stop.
www.there4me.com
If you're between 12-16 years old and are worried about something and need help, then this site is for you. It also helps with issues like abuse, bullying, exams, drugs and self-esteem.
www.thinkyouknow.co
This site is where you can find the latest information on websites that you like to visit and mobiles and new technology. You can find out what's good, what's not and what you can do about it. Most importantly, there's also a place, which anyone can use to report if they feel uncomfortable or worried about someone they are chatting to online.
www.youngcarers.net
This is a supportive online community of young people who look after or care for someone else, such as a parent. Advice is available from qualified Youth Workers.
www.youngscot.org
This site provides national and local information for young people aged 12-26. To access information for your area, click on the link "choose your home town" and scroll down the list to find your area.
Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People (SCCYP) http://www.sccyp.org.uk
The Commissioner's job is to help you understand your rights and make sure that they are respected by all the adults around you.
The Commissioner is responsible for helping to make sure that the lives of you and your friends, your brothers and sisters and all young poeple in Scotland are as safe and happy as possible.
The Commissioner does this by
- listening to you
- asking people in power to think about how new laws and decisions might affect you
- helping you to learn more about your rights
- speaking out if you are not getting a fair deal or being listened to
You can meet the Commissioner and have your say on the SCCYP website.
Know Your Rights - Your rights are protescted in law the the United Naltions Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This means that no-one can take your rights away from you. In Scotland, the government MUST make sure your rights are protected.
Click below for an Illustrated Guide to your Rights. These rights are for all children and young people under the age of 18 and if you have ever been 'looked after' or in care you have these rights until you are 21. Click link - www.sccyp.org.uk/rights/uncrcarticles
http://www.whocaresscotland.org - Speaks out for young people in care.
http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk - How to keepsafe on the internet
http://www.sclc.org.uk - Free legal advice for and about children and young people
http://www.youngscot.org - Information for young people aged 12-16 about health, jobs and training.
http://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk - Youth and community-based lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organisation.
http://www/youngminds.org.uk - Information for young people about emotional wellbeikng and mental health
http://www.thehideout.org.uk - Help for children and young people living with domestic violence
