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Dads' Survey 2024 Report Published

  • Submitted by: Fulton MacGregor, Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party.
  • Date lodged: Thursday, 06 March 2025
  • Motion reference: S6M-16723

That the Parliament acknowledges the results of the 2024 Dads' Survey, which was run by Fathers Network Scotland (FNS); notes that this is the sixth Dads’ Survey to be run by FNS; understands that the survey received over 400 responses, which expressed the needs and concerns of fathers and families across Scotland; acknowledges that the survey found that fathers remain committed to positive engagement with their children and families post-COVID-19, despite increased financial pressure; notes with concern, however, that the survey indicated that poor mental health is at a record high, and that fewer fathers than ever are seeking support; further notes with concern that many more dads are reportedly struggling to balance work and family life, particularly new dads and dads on the edge of poverty; believes that it is crucial that both parents are treated as equal caregivers by services, to ensure the best outcomes for children; asserts that parental leave should be affordable for parents to take, give a substantial allowance of time, and support equality among parents; supports the calls for increased support for the whole family around every child, and the services that assist them; praises the work of FNS and, in particular, its director, Cathy Sexton, whose work on this topic is, it considers, vital for advising policy, and believes that surveys and reports such as the 2024 Dads’ Survey are invaluable in shedding light on how escalating pressures on families are affecting fathers across Scotland.


Supported by: Karen Adam, Clare Adamson, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Stephanie Callaghan, Foysol Choudhury, Jackie Dunbar, Emma Harper, Bill Kidd, Ruth Maguire, John Mason, Stuart McMillan, Audrey Nicoll, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance, Evelyn Tweed, Brian Whittle