Coronavirus guidelines for children and young people

Current scientific evidence suggests that children aged 11 and under seem to be at a lower risk of catching and passing on the virus, which is why some restrictions are different for this age group. However, good hygiene practice is really important and they should still make sure to wash their hands regularly and not touch surfaces.

An unrestricted number of children aged 0-11 can play together outdoors as long as any adults with them stick to the rules on meeting up for their area. So for example in level 3, only 6 adults or young people aged 12-17 from up to 6 households can be present. However, this shouldn’t be seen as an excuse to get lots of children together – try to limit it to a few close friends.

Children and young people can meet up indoors in public places as long as they follow the level guidelines for the area you’re in. You can use the dropdown list above to check the rules in your area. Remember that indoors, children don’t count towards the number of people meeting but they do count towards the number of households.

Level 0-2

In areas in level 0-2, children can play indoors together as long as you follow the rules on numbers and households. Remember, indoors children don’t count towards the number of people but they do count towards the number of households. Our page on meeting other households has advice on staying safe when you’re meeting indoors.

Levels 3-4

In levels 3-4, you can't go into other people’s homes, so your child should not be having a sleepover with a friend. However, in some limited situations where you rely on another household for informal childcare, your child may stay the night in another household.  Our guide on childcare has more information. 

Children with learning disabilities should follow the physical distancing guidelines appropriate to their physical age where possible. 

At the beginning of the pandemic, people who are at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus were advised to shield, to minimise the chance of catching the virus. Shielding was paused from 1 August. However, the Scottish Government is advising people who were shielding to take extra precautions. You can find out more about this at the Scottish Government website.

Therefore although your child can still play with others you should be extra careful around hygiene, to ensure everyone stays safe. If your child has been shielding and you live in a level 4 area it’s a good idea to minimise the amount of contact they have with others where possible.

At a play park your child may end up playing with children they don’t know. While this is okay, it’s best for them to try to stick to playing with children they know and it is important to follow good hygiene practice.  If you feel the play park is too crowded, it is best to either wait until it is less busy or avoid it for the time being.

Children under 12 can share toys and play equipment but must continue with current hygiene measures when possible. It’s very important when looking after children to encourage them to wash their hands and not touch surfaces. 

As with adults, children of any age can eat together, but they shouldn’t share food or utensils. If eating together, each household should prepare food separately.

If you live in an area in level 3 or 4, children from other households aren’t allowed into your home to play.

However, if kids are playing in another household’s garden they can go into the house to use the toilet. They should avoid touching surfaces with their hands as much as possible. They should also wipe any surfaces they touch with antibacterial wipes, wash their hands thoroughly, dry their hands with a freshly laundered towel or a paper towel and dispose of it in a closed bin. We understand this may be a lot to ask for under 12s, so you may want to go with them.

If members of another household are going to visit you and might need to use your toilet, you should ensure appropriate cleaning materials are available. You should also provide either a hand towel for each visiting household or paper towels and a safe disposal option.