A HORRIFYING WAKE UP CALL

Two-thirds of Scots say childhood is now the worst that it has ever been | National emergency declared amid surge in online bullying and attacks

- RUTH SUTER

A DAMNING survey that shows nearly two-thirds of Scots believe childhood is now worse for kids than ever has been branded a "horrifying wake-up call" by a charity.

Children First also declared a "childhood emergency" amid a surge in online bullying and attacks on kids.

The charity wants urgent action to address a mental health crisis caused by online harm.

It comes amid the Record's Our Kids Our Future campaign, which has specifically called on social media giants to remove violent clips of attacks on young people from their platforms before they go viral.

The campaign was launched in February last year after a sickening series of attacks on youths took place across the country.

In most cases, victims were taunted with cruel comments online before being attacked, with their assaults filmed and uploaded to social media for "likes and popularity".

Children First chief executive Mary Glasgow said: "The Daily Record has done some important work over the last two years highlighting some of the horrific bullying, violence and abuse that some children and young people have suffered.

"These heartbreaking stories highlight the serious issues with cyberbullying, smartphones and social media that are fuelling this childhood emergency.

"Content showing such extreme and disturbing acts of violence should not be on social media.