Scotland based Children First has become the latest charity to quit X amid concerns around content on the Elon Musk run social media platform.

Since the billionaire took over the platform concerns have been raised in the charity sector about misinformation being posted and the promotion of right-wing views.

"Last month, we announced that Scotland faces a national childhood emergency,” said the charity.

“The challenges and threats which children face require a nuanced and collaborative response from politicians, the media, businesses, professionals and the public.

"As Scotland’s national children’s charity, we want to engage in discussion and debate that recognises the complexity of the challenges children face in an environment that is respectful, tolerant and solution focused.

“We no longer believe that X provides a positive space to achieve our goals to progress children’s rights.

"In leaving X we will be losing our largest single social media audience, at a time when children and young people need our support more than ever.”

It adds that “the best way for audiences to support our work is through our website”.

It is also promoting its work through LinkedIN, Facebook, Instagram and has also set up an account on Bluesky.

On World Children's Day, we're calling on First Minister John Swinney MSP to put children's rights first ahead of next month's budget.
Our chief executive Mary Glasgow has written to the First Minister today. Read her full letter on our website: www.childrenfirst.org.uk/news/a-lette...

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— Children First (@childrenfirst.bsky.social) November 20, 2024 at 1:29 PM

The charity is one of several charities to set up an account and post on Bluesky, which promotes itself as an alternative to X with a stronger focus on moderation.

It is also one of several charities and charity sector organisations to quit X altogether.

Charity leaders’ body ACEVO, transgender support charity Mermaids and Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity are among those in the sector to leave X this year.

Meanwhile, interest among charities in Bluesky has grown, particularly this month.

It now has more than 20m users, more than double figures released in early September.

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