Welcoming the publication today of the Scottish Government’s National Action Plan on Internet Safety for Children and Young People, Detective Chief Superintendent Lesley Boal, Public Protection lead for Police Scotland, said, “Digital technology provides great opportunities for children and young people to interact, learn and have fun, therefore it is vitally important that professionals, parents and carers work together to improve their skills and knowledge in order to help children stay safe online and children and young people have the support and confidence to report concerns.
“Police Scotland has been working with a number of partners to raise awareness about online safety by directly engaging with children and young people. We recently launched the Choices for Life Be Smart Online Peer Mentoring Programme which includes ways that parents and young people can start conversations about online safety.
“Our Web Constables, are available locally to provide advice and support in schools and communities about how to use digital technologies safely by keeping personal information private and the dangers of grooming, online child sexual exploitation and sexting.
“Police Scotland is absolutely committed to tackling online child sexual abuse. We continue to work with the National Crime Agency; other law enforcement agencies and industry to identify those who use digital technology to abuse or exploit our children and identify children who may be at risk of such harm.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
