Coatbridge High School S1 Rights Respecting Schools OutRight Campaign

OutRight empowers children and young people to realise their own rights, and to speak out in support of the rights of all children.

This year OutRight is focusing on Air Pollution and protecting children’s right to health and a safe, clean environment.

So, what’s the problem?

• All children have the right to health and a clean environment where they live, learn and play.
• Across the UK, around a third of children are living in areas that have unsafe levels of air pollution.
• Around the world, almost 17 million babies under the age of one are breathing toxic air.
• Air pollution may be invisible, but it’s incredibly dangerous for children.
• Breathing toxic air can damage children’s growth and leave them with lasting health problems, increase their risk of conditions like asthma and reduce their brain development

What S1 did?

• We learned about the impact of air pollution on children’s health both locally and around the world.
• We told our families, friends, community and our local MP what we learn about air pollution and why every child needs to breathe clean air.

They have written to the Scottish Environment Secretary with their views:

John Stoddart from Glasgow Scientific Services, STEM ambassador, spoke to every S1 class about air pollution and its effects. He also brought in equipment to show pupils how air pollution is measured.

 

Pupils made air pollution catchers which have been displayed in and outside of the school. The results should show levels of air pollution in our local area.

 

• Article 24 (health and health services)

• Article 12(respect for the views of the child)

• Article 29 (goals of education)

• Article 17(access to information from the media)

• Article 6 (life, survival and development)