This webpage has been created to help parents and carers find practical information from trusted places to help you feel more confident in keeping your children and young people safe and improving their well-being.
All children grow and develop at different rates. You know your child best, what they like, what matters to them, and whether they need any specific or additional support.
Families are all different, and family life isn’t always easy - and that’s OK.
Planet Youth
The information on this webpage has been created on the back of a Planet Youth, which explored issues around substance use and emotional wellbeing, as well as relationships between young people and their peers, families, schools and the wider community.
The results of this survey has allowed us to better understand the issues impacting our young people.
- What is Planet Youth?
Planet Youth began in Iceland in the 1990s, at a time when Iceland had some of the highest rates of teenage smoking, alcohol and drug use in Europe. Today, Iceland has some of the lowest rates.
Planet Youth explored what helps young people stay healthy and happy, such as spending time with family, feeling supported at school, having positive friendships and taking part in enjoyable activities.
Planet Youth calls these ‘protective factors’. By strengthening these protective factors, Iceland saw significant changes. Smoking, drinking and drug use among young people decreased, while family life, participation in activities and opportunities for positive leisure time became stronger.
Planet Youth is an evidence-based prevention model that is being embedded in Dundee by local partners, led by the charity Winning Scotland. The focus is on preventing problems before they start, with the ultimate goal of improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people so they can grow up safer, healthier and more confident.
As part of the Planet Youth approach, young people aged 14–16 were invited to take part in a confidential survey about their lives. The survey helped us understand what is working well for young people, as well as the challenges they are experiencing. This information helps partners make informed changes to local services, systems and environments to prevent harm.
Things such as spending more time together as a family, having safe places to spend time, and having opportunities for fun and connection can all help to reduce risks.
The survey gave us information about the behaviours, attitudes and beliefs of more than 2,300 young people in Dundee.
- Protective factors
The survey highlighted a number of protective factors that can help support the health and wellbeing of young people:
- A reduction in young people using substances.
- Young people report feeling cared for, warm and safe at home.
- Young people know where to go to report abuse and access support if they are affected by it.
- The majority of young people, particularly girls, report having positive relationships with staff at school.
- Risk factors
In September 2025 we surveyed S3 and S4 pupils in all mainstream secondary schools. 86% of young people participated in the survey and as a result the following risk identified.
The survey also identified a number of risk factors across the city:
- Spending four or more hours a day on social media is associated with poorer mental health.
- Young people report feeling less safe outside their home compared with feeling safe at home.
- Fewer girls participate in sport as they get older.
- Being out after midnight is associated with increased risk.
The data encourages us to look not only at what our S3 and S4 young people are telling us now, but also at how we can work together to build a more protective environment for children and young people at an earlier age and stage.
- Connections and Family Time
Connection doesn't need to be perfect, but it does need to be regular. Small moments build strong relationships and create foundations for future conversations. These everyday connections can be especially important during more difficult times.
Time spent together is one of the most powerful ways we can support the wellbeing of children and young people. It can be five minutes at bedtime, a walk to school, or sharing a meal together. Regular moments of connection help children feel secure, valued and understood.
Did you know?
Young people who spend time with their parents or carers at the weekend are four times less likely to get drunk and four times less likely to vape.
Young people whose parents or carers know where they are in the evening are also less likely to drink alcohol or vape.
Spending quality time together, taking an interest in your child's day, friends and feelings, and setting clear, consistent boundaries can all help support healthier choices and positive wellbeing.
We know that connection is a huge protective factor and can come from:
- Taking an interest in your child's day, friends and feelings.
- Spending time together through simple daily routines.
- Giving your full attention in everyday moments.
- Having fun together and encouraging creativity.
- Letting your child make small choices.
- Keeping clear, consistent and fair boundaries.
There a number of things low cost free things to do in Dundee.
Free to visit museums in Dundee www.leisureandculturedundee.com/culture
Libraries providing access to books, ebooks and free activities for children and young people. www.leisureandculturedundee.com/library
- Sleep and Routines
Regular, good-quality sleep is vital for your child's growth and development. It supports physical growth, brain development, emotional wellbeing and a healthy immune system. Children who get enough sleep are better able to learn, concentrate, manage their emotions and stay healthy.
Making sure your child gets enough sleep as they grow can help protect their mental wellbeing and reduce the risk of difficulties such as low self-esteem, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
Recommended Sleep Times:
Nursery age (3 to 5 years): 10 to 13 hours
Primary age (6 to 13 years): 9 to 11 hours
Teenage years (14 to 17 years): 8 to 10 hours
Tips for Bedtime
- Build a consistent bedtime routine based on how much sleep your child needs.
- Avoid daytime naps where possible, as these can make it more difficult to fall asleep at night.
- Create time to unwind before bed. Aim for an hour without screens and encourage quiet activities such as reading, drawing or listening to music.
- Being active and getting fresh air during the day can help support better sleep.
- Keep routines and bedtimes as consistent as possible, including at weekends. If your child lives across more than one home, it can be helpful to maintain similar routines in each setting.
- Try to keep bedrooms screen-free and avoid using phones, tablets or other devices before bedtime.
Did you know?
Young people who spend four hours or more on social media each day are twice as likely to report bad or very bad mental health compared with those who report good or very good mental health.
Young people who spend one hour or less on social media each day are twice as likely to report good or very good mental health.
Small changes can make a big difference. Simple boundaries, such as avoiding screens for an hour before bed and keeping phones out of bedrooms overnight, can support better sleep and wellbeing.
Encouraging your child to get involved in hobbies, clubs, sports and other activities can also help them build supportive relationships, develop new skills, increase their confidence and strengthen their resilience.
For more information on supporting your child or young person's sleep and wellbeing, see:
Cool2Talk – A safe space for young people age 12 and over
The Corner Dundee | Health & Wellbeing Services for Young People
- Online Life and Mental Health
Technology is an important part of daily life, but too much screen time can affect your child's sleep, behaviour, learning and physical health. Helping children and young people develop healthy digital habits can support their overall wellbeing.
We all know that too much screen time can affect your child’s sleep, behaviour, learning, and even their physical health.
Did you know?
Young people who spend 4 hours or more on social media each day are twice as likely to report bad or very bad mental health compared with those who report good or very good mental health.
Those who spend 1 hour or less on social media are twice as likely to report good or very good mental health.
Some information on the harmful effects of screen time and social media:
- Blue light from screens delays the natural sleep rhythm –making it harder to fall asleep and wake up feeling rested.
- Make sure there is a balance with play, rest, and connecting in the real world.
- Screen time affects sleep, concentration and emotional wellbeing.
- Social media can sometimes increase pressure, comparison and anxiety.
- Managing children’s social media use matters. When they are online they may not recognise harmful and unsafe situations can be influenced by what they see there.
Think about small boundaries, such as:
- Keep screens in your main living space. You can keep an eye on how long your child is using them and make sure they take breaks.
- Children learn from adults around them. Try limiting your own screen time when with them.
- Most phones have digital wellbeing settings. You can also download apps that help check use or buy a non-digital phone (dumbphone).
- Try regular screen-free family nights. Play a board game, go for walk together or spend time cooking or baking.
- Remember, not all screen time is bad. Video editing, music production, creative writing, graphic design, or coding are all great digital hobbies.
- Give your child lots of chances to get off their screens. Let them try different activities. It helps them learn and grow.
- No screens an hour before bed
- Keep phones out of bedrooms
- Talking to your child
It is important to keep talking to your child throughout their life in a way they can understand. Starting these conversations early can make it easier to talk about more difficult topics as they grow older.
As your child develops, you may need to have conversations about things that can feel challenging or sensitive. These might include worries that you or your child has, topics such as growing up and puberty, relationships, online safety, or making safe and healthy choices.
You may also need to talk about difficult life events or changes that affect your family. It can be helpful to think about how you would approach these conversations if the need arises. Remember that difficult conversations are rarely a one-off. Ongoing, open communication helps children and young people feel supported and understood.
Did you know?
Children and young people who feel able to turn to their parents or carers for support are more likely to feel safe and protected as they grow up.
The Planet Youth survey shows that young people whose parents or carers know where they are after midnight are less likely to drink alcohol or vape.
The survey also found that young people who believe their friends regularly stay out late are more likely to drink alcohol or vape.
As children get older, it can sometimes feel more difficult to start conversations, particularly about topics such as vaping, alcohol, friendships and peer pressure. However, open, honest and non-judgemental conversations can make a real difference.
Listening to your child's views, showing interest in their experiences, and creating opportunities to talk regularly can help build trust and strengthen your relationship over time.
We've got resources to help you start those conversations –
Speakeasy Speakeasy: Support for Parents in Tayside | Sexual Health & Blood Borne Viruses Tayside
Offer of Speakeasy sessions in your school cluster coming soon – contact your school for details.
Child & Family Support Service Dundee - Child & Family Suppo | Barnardo's
- Growing Brain
Your child’s brain develops rapidly between the ages of 7 and 13 years old.
There are big changes related to emotions, thinking and self-control. This is a crucial period as they move from late primary to early teenage years and adolescence.
The environments around young people matter. Simple things make all the difference, such as talking about their feelings, maintaining regular routines to help them feel safe and secure.
Ideas to support the growing brain
Help your child talk about their feelings.
- Regular routines can help your child feel safe and secure.
- Help your child to take responsibility and make small decisions.
- Involve your child in planning their week or things like meal
- planning for the family.
- As children grow, they may want more space and privacy.
- Friends become more important. Supporting your child to have
- a strong peer group is a protective factor. Help them to work
- out friendships and peer groups.
- Praise effort, even when things don’t work out.
- Encourage your child to be curious and questioning
Look after yourself: children learn from you, if you are regulated and able to manage challenges they will learn how to do that too.
Be kind to yourself if you get it wrong! You are all learning how to navigate these new dynamics, recognise when to take a breath, apologise if needed, and give yourself a break.
Some useful links to help support your child's growing brain:
CAMHS parent portal https://www.nhstaysidecamhs.co.uk/
Sign up to parental information sessions
Understanding and Supporting Your Child:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/understanding-and-supporting-your-child-3782053
Supporting Your Child with Anxiety:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/supporting-a-childteen-with-anxiety-worries-3001979
Decider Skills:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/parents-decider-skills-training-3001949
- Parental Peer Pressure
Many parents say they feel pressure, wondering “Is everyone else allowing this?” or “Will my child feel left out?”
But when parents and carers who talk to each other and agree shared boundaries, like screen use or when children get a phone, when children should be home it helps take the pressure off everyone and gives children clear, consistent messages.
Getting to know your child’s friends’ parents and carers can make tricky conversations at home easier.
Even small agreements between families can make a big difference.
Some useful tips-
- Get to know the other families, parents and carers in your child’s class.
- Take opportunities to attend school events and meet your school community.
- Being in a class group on WhatsApp can be a good way to keep in
touch with other families, parents and carers.
- Discussing with other families, parents and carers can help you feel less
alone when talking to your child and setting boundaries. You can agree
on things like screen time and when children should get a phone.
- More Resources
We’re here for you | Parent Club
One Parent Families Scotland Dundee, Families House for single parents
Child & Family Support Service Dundee - Child & Family Suppo | Barnardo's