The latest child poverty statistics show a small drop in child poverty rates, but the real headline is that one in five children in Scotland remain locked in poverty. We spoke to parents from our Changing the Story panel and they are clear: every child in Scotland should have a childhood without limits and right now, too many do not.
Ollu, a mum from Glasgow, said: “No child in Scotland should ever experience poverty – not one. It’s good that rates are reducing but these are not just statistics, they are children’s lives. Too many of our children are still growing up defined by poverty, where it shapes everything from what they eat and how they sleep, to their confidence, wellbeing, and future opportunities.”
The progress we have seen does matter. It means some children are beginning to experience greater stability, fewer daily pressures, and better access to essentials. And it shows that change is possible: if we make the right political choices, we can build a Scotland where every child has what they need to thrive.
But for many families across Scotland, the reality remains stark. Around 210,000 children are still living in poverty. This has an impact on how they live, how they learn, and what they believe is possible for their future. And that is why, ahead of the Scottish elections, Save the Children is campaigning on one clear message: there should be no limits to childhood.
“As a parent, these figures are not just statistics, they reflect the daily realities many families are living through,” Ollu continued.
Parents describe how poverty shapes every aspect of a child’s life far beyond household income.
Ailsa, a mum from Paisley, said: “Poverty isn’t just about money. Poverty encompasses a child’s entire life.”
For children, it can mean going without the basics, missing out on opportunities, and feeling excluded from the world around them. It can affect confidence, wellbeing, and long-term life chances. For parents, it means carrying the weight of constant pressure.
Even with progress, families are clear: the pace of change is too slow. Scotland is not on track to meet its 2030 child poverty targets and children cannot afford to wait. With the election approaching in May, parents are calling for child poverty to be at the heart of decision-making. This is a critical moment to choose a different future - one where every child can grow up safe, supported, and able to thrive.
Alex, mum from Fife, said: “The fact that any children are living in poverty in Scotland points to a failure in the support available to parents and families and we want and need the government to push harder through clear and measured steps if we’re going to fix this for the children of Scotland.”
Parents we work with are calling on all political parties to go further and faster with clear, measurable action that matches the scale of the challenge. That means ensuring families have enough income to live on, access to affordable childcare, secure and fairly paid work, and properly funded services that support children and families.
They also highlight how important it is that lived experience shapes those decisions.
Ollu said: “Policies should be shaped with input from those with lived experience, so they reflect what actually works on the ground.”
There is hope, too and a belief that Scotland can do better.
“If we can break the cycle at a young age, we can have a better Scotland where everyone gets the life they create,” said Ailsa.
The upcoming election is a chance to turn that into reality. Because while progress is welcome, it is simply not enough. It’s time to invest in a better future for children - and for Scotland so every child can thrive and experience no limits to childhood.
As Ailsa reminds us:
“One child in poverty is one too many.”
