Growing up in Scotland report from 'Birth Cohort 2' released

Date: 19th February 2013
Category: Family Environment and Alternative Care

The first findings from 'Birth Cohort 2' of Growing Up in Scotland's longitudinal research study were published on 19th February 2013.

Growing Up in Scotland (GUS) follows the lives of thousands of children right across Scotland from infancy through to their teens. As one of the largest studies ever done in Scotland, it will provide information to help develop policies and plan services for children and their families.

Topics in the report include: family characteristics & circumstances, pregnancy & birth, infant feeding, parenting & support, childcare, non-resident parents, child health & development, parental health.

A Scottish Government press release of the 'Birth Cohort 2' report highlighted its main findings, including:

  • Compared with six years previous, more mothers completely avoided alcohol during pregnancy
  • High levels of satisfaction with the services of health visitors
  • 85 per cent of parents said their employer had at least one family friendly policy
  • Fewer children had accidents which required treatment
  • Increased numbers of parents regularly read to their children.
  • Download the full report here.
  • Read the Scottish Government press release here.