Children in Scotland Frequently Encounter Pornography, Suicide and Self-Harm Online, Charity Warns
A children’s charity says Scottish youth regularly see pornographic, suicide and self-harm material online and urges the UK and Scottish governments to act.
Children First warned that Scottish youngsters are habitually exposed to pornography, suicide-related posts and self-harm content while using the internet. The charity referenced an Ofcom report revealing that the majority of children across the UK have encountered some form of harmful material within a month. While age-verification tools are proving effective at limiting porn access, the study found that bullying, hate, violence and dangerous challenges persist on user-to-user services.
Girls reported more suicide and self-harm content, whereas boys and older children saw more porn. The charity urged the UK and Scottish governments to adopt a public-health strategy that lessens screen reliance and safeguards children’s mental and physical wellbeing.
Why it matters
Online exposure to harmful content can damage children’s mental health and development, prompting calls for stronger government safeguards.
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