Animation on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Our new animation on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and what they mean for Scotland is now live and available to view.

ACEs are stressful events that occur in childhood and can a have lifelong impact on health and behaviour. We know that compared to people with no ACEs, those with four or more are more likely to have health harming conditions, such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes or to drink, smoke or take drugs. We also know that people living in the most deprived areas have a higher risk of ACEs, and so preventing them should be seen as part of what we do to tackle societal inequalities.

Katy Hetherington, Organisational Lead for Child and Adolescent Public Health said:

“ACEs aren’t inevitable – there are things we can do to prevent them. Our new animation will help people talk about them and hopefully get the message out there that we all have a part to play in preventing adversity and raising awareness of ACEs.  We need to work across sectors to build resilience in children so that they have the best start in life and the best chances in adulthood. Getting it right for our children and young people is essential if we are to create a fairer healthier Scotland for all.”