Social media ban will give Scots Kids fresh hope

Swinney urged to copy Australia move

- RUTH SUTER

FIRST Minister John Swinney last night praised the Record's Our Kids... Our Future campaign as he confirmed he would "look at measures to tackle the negative effects" of social media.

Speaking of a potential ban in Scotland, Swinney told the Record: "It is vital that we ensure our children's wellbeing is protected from the negative effects of social media.

"There is now a growing awareness that social media can lead to disruption in school and increased incidents of cyberbullying, as has been highlighted previously by the Daily Record's Our Kids... Our Future campaign."

It came as the daughter of ex-football star Iain Ferguson said violence campaigners have been given fresh hope by | Swinney looking at the prospect of a social media ban for under-16s.

Kelsey Ferguson, who was tormented by bullies in her youth, said Swinney's pledge to consider a ban would be "beneficial" for the children of today.

The 34-year-old, who was targeted by her bullies in person and online, told the Record: "Social media impacted my life massively as a kid.