More than 2,600 young people across Scotland were asked what they think the new government should focus on during its first 100 days in office. Two-thirds (66%) identified child poverty as a priority – making it the highest-ranked issue, ahead of the NHS, education, the economy and climate change.
Young people say that tackling child poverty should be the Scottish Government’s top priority in its first 100 days, according to new research from Save the Children Scotland and Young Scot.
More than 2,600 young people across Scotland were asked what they think the new government should focus on during its first 100 days in office. Two-thirds (66%) identified child poverty as a priority – making it the highest-ranked issue, ahead of the NHS, education, the economy and climate change.
The findings highlight the extent to which young people see poverty affecting the lives of children and families around them. More than six in ten (61%) said they know families in their area who are affected by poverty, while 43% believe decision-makers are not doing enough to tackle it.
Young people also backed a range of measures to support children and families, including free food for under-18s in schools and colleges, improved mental health services, access to good quality homes and increased support through benefits such as the Scottish Child Payment.