The Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee will conclude its work in March 2026 ahead of the next Scottish Parliament election. While it will continue to meet, the Committee has agreed it will not consider petitions submitted after 10 October. This is to ensure all petitions currently in the system can be considered before the next Scottish Parliament election. It is also unlikely that the Committee would be able to schedule and meaningfully progress petitions submitted after 10 October before the election. Contact the Committee team at petitions.committee@parliament.scot for more information about the petitions process.

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Closed petition PE2162: Prevent strangers from filming or photographing children in public play parks

Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to make it illegal for strangers to film or photograph children in public play parks.

Background information

In recent weeks, there has been a disturbing rise in incidents where children are being filmed or photographed in public spaces, such as playgrounds, parks, and even outside their schools, by unknown individuals. Parents and communities across the country are growing increasingly concerned about the safety and privacy of their children, yet current laws do little to prevent these invasive and unsettling actions.

We believe that children deserve protection from being filmed or photographed without consent in public spaces. That is why we are calling for new legislation to make it illegal for anyone to film or photograph minors in public settings without parental or guardian permission. This change is necessary to safeguard the well-being of our children.

By signing this petition, you are supporting a crucial step toward stronger protections for our children. Let’s stand together and demand action before more children become targets of unwanted surveillance and exploitation.

  • Created by Sharon Glen and Alex O'Kane
  • Date closed 10 September 2025

This petition was considered by the Scottish Parliament

Find out about the decisions taken on this petition

4,985 signatures