Thursday November 12th 2026
Edinburgh Young People Charter vote
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Edinburgh Council has pledged to uphold the Forces Children’s Charter, a commitment to recognise the challenges and needs of those with parents in the forces.
At a meeting of the Education, Children and Families Committee, children with parents in the Armed Forces spoke about the challenges they face including sudden changes of schools or having one or both parents absent for long periods when deployed.
The committee agreed to uphold the charter, which was written by children with parents in the military, and pledges to give support, ensure education continuation when switching schools and help with emotional wellbeing.
Schools will be able to engage with the charter, which is built on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and sets out 10 commitments covering how Forces children are recognised, listened to and supported.
Louisa, 16, is a pupil at Firrhill High School, she told the committee:
“We needed the Charter because so often the experiences and rights of children and young people from Forces families are overlooked. We don’t get a say in decisions that affect our lives, but they have an impact on us and can affect our mental health.
“We’re also proud to be part of a Forces family, we want that to be recognised and we want to be able to celebrate our identity as a Forces child.”
Convenor of Education, Children and Families, Cllr James Dalgleish said:
“It was fantastic to hear from some of the young people behind this charter.
“At the Education, Children and Families Committee we heard how forces children face a lot of difficulties with frequent school moves, often last minute and dealing with their parent being absent for long periods.
“I hope the charter will help these young people feel supported and aid them on their learning journey.”
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