A campaign by the Glasgow Evening Times for a Children’s Commissioner has been backed by a new report that shows five Scottish children a day are the victims of abuse.

Campaigners expressed their concern at the statistics, claiming the real figures were much higher.

And politicians are redoubling their calls for moves to appoint a Commissioner for Scotland in the wake of the new evidence – something at the heart of a new Evening Times initiative.

Scottish Parliament minister Dorothy-Grace Elder is backing the paper’s campaign.

She told readers: “A Children’s Commissioner should be set up right away. But we shouldn’t just appoint one person – there should be at least three people devoted to this.”

The Evening Times launched its campaign to fight for Scots children last month.

It began by calling on the Executive to appoint a Children’s Commissioner to be the voice of the country young people.

The Time said: “The Commissioner would be a non-political post, elected for and by children to ensure the safety of Scotland’s young people and protect their rights. The Commissioner would consult with the young people of Scotland and focus on their needs.

“One top priority would be to improve child safety, as well as examining issues and policies affecting young Scots today.”

The idea has backing from across the political spectrum, children’s organisations and parents.

Back to the campaigns index

Do you have a story for us?
Ring the HoldTheFrontPage newsdesk on
01332 291111 x6022, or e-mail us now