MEDIA RELEASE 01/07/09

‘If I were First Minister’ …
Children’s priorities 10 years ago and the progress we’ve made

Today Scotland celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament taking up full legislative powers for the first time since 1707, with children at the heart of the celebrations as Her Majesty the Queen meets the ‘1 July babies’.

In the first year of the new Parliament, Children in Scotland asked children and young people to imagine they were First Minister, and tell us what they would prioritise to improve their communities. Ten years on, we revisit some of the topics they raised and see what has changed. NB: Children’s details are as provided for publication in 1999.

“I think it would be better if children were allowed to take part in adult stuff like voting for prime minister because I think we deserve a chance to vote because it’s our future as well”
Julie Wilson, age 11, Edinburgh

While there’s been no change on voting, there has been a significant increase in opportunities for and encouragement of participation of children and young people in many formal and informal settings: the Scottish Children’s Parliament and pupil councils are two examples

“University tuition fees should be abolished because some very clever children are missing out on the chance of a lifetime because their parents don’t earn enough money to pay for fees”
Louise Petticrew, age 10, West Dunbartonshire

These are now abolished for Scottish students attending Scottish universities

“I’d make sure smacking, slapping and beating children was illegal because violence doesn’t solve anything and adults shouldn’t have the right to hurt children”
Daisy Robson, age 11, Edinburgh

The issue was raised in Parliament but MSPs stopped short of making a comprehensive ban. Children in Scotland is a member of Children are Unbeatable, a coalition of voluntary organisations campaigning for a change in the law

“Let disabled people even with learning difficulties go to their local schools as they should be part of the community”
Ross Thomson, age 14, Glasgow

The original Additional Support for Learning Act was passed in 2004 and amendments were approved this year. Most authorities now have a policy of inclusion and the numbers of children with additional needs in mainstream schools has increased

"I would be so happy knowing that when I take a breath of air it’s not pollution I’m breathing in”
Lacey Stewart, age 11, Falkirk

The Scottish Climate Change Bill is on its way through Parliament at present. Children in Scotland was a partner in the Climate Change Project working with children in 2008

“If I were First Minister I would make sure that all children were treated equally”
Donna Maciver, Isle of Lewis

The Scottish Government is developing an action plan to implement the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, in line with recommendations in 2008. Children in
Scotland is involved in UNCRC partners groups

“My mum and dad smoke and I get worried about them so please stop selling
cigarettes”
Jade Armstrong, age 11, Dalkeith

The age at which you can buy tobacco was raised to 18 in 2005 as part of the legislation that banned smoking in public places. Legislation is currently being considered to ban vending machines and displays in shops

Children in Scotland firmly believes that children and young people have a right to have their views heard and considered on policies that affect them. As Daisy, age 11, put it: “It’s very important that adults listen to children’s opinions because adults aren’t always right and their opinions can sometimes help.”

Notes for Editors
1. This appears in the July edition of Children in Scotland magazine, published this week.

For further information, contact Tracey Francis on 0131 222 2419, or by email, tfrancis@childreninscotland.org.uk

2. Children in Scotland is the longstanding national agency for the whole of the children’s sector, reaching over 250,000 individuals through our extensive membership of more than 450 statutory agencies, voluntary sector organisations, professional associations and community groups.

For further information visit
www.childreninscotland.org.uk