04/10/2013

Scotland Holds Conference On Internet Safety

The Scottish government is inviting senior representatives of child protection organisations to a summit on internet safety.

Ahead of the National Parent Forum of Scotland conference this weekend, Children’s Minister Aileen Campbell said: "Over recent weeks and months we’ve seen too many reports of young people lives being damaged or ending tragically after been targeted on chat and social networking sites.

"That is why I am arranging a summit to invite experts, including those who work directly with young people, to see what more we can do in Scotland to protect our children as well as inform worried parents.

"While much of Internet safety is not devolved to the Scottish Government we are committed to making sure child internet safety is properly recognised in Scottish education, policing and child protection policies and that the best support is available to anyone targeted.

"The national anti-bullying service Respectme offers excellent support and advice to both parents and young people, we can build on this by looking at what more can be done and how we can share the wide-reaching expertise at our disposal."

Iain Ellis, chair of the National Parent Forum of Scotland, said: "The National Parent Forum of Scotland welcomes the Scottish Government focus on internet safety, as we know this is something that really concerns parents. Whilst schools sometimes do run internet safety information evenings for parents, we would really benefit from receiving clear, consistent and regularly-updated information, as the possibilities and risks of the internet are fast-changing. Using the internet in positive ways is a crucial part of everyday life; it is important that our children develop healthy, constructive internet habits and that they learn to keep themselves safe. Parents need to know how to help them with this."

(IT/MH)

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