Government Social Research
On 19 January 2007, the Scottish Executive announced that eight thousand
youngsters and their parents were taking part in a major Executive-funded
study - Growing
up in Scotland, which tracks families' experiences, including attitudes
towards children's services, pregnancy and birth, childcare, parenting,
health and education.
In one of the largest studies ever done in Scotland, the youngsters' lives
are being followed from infancy to adolescence. The results will help to
shape future services for children and families.
Among the findings from the first overview report, published on 19 January
2007, are:
The Growing Up in Scotland survey was commissioned in 2003 and the research
is being undertaken by the Scottish Centre for Social Research in collaboration
with the Centre for Research on Families and Relationships at the University
of Edinburgh.
Growing Up in Scotland is tracking 5,000 babies (born between June 2004
and May 2005) and 3,000 toddlers (born between June 2002 and May 2003) through
childhood and into their teens. Families were carefully selected to ensure
the survey represents Scotland's urban/rural and economic backgrounds. All
council areas are represented.
Trained social survey interviewers have conducted interviews initially with
parents, but children are likely to be asked for their views as they reach
an appropriate age.
Scottish
Executive news summary