A new youth-led project is being delivered by the NSPCC in partnership with the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) to help keep children safe online.
The Amplifying Child Safety Online project aims to drive change to make the online world safer by putting children’s views and experiences at the centre of the conversation with decision-makers and those with responsibility for this issue.
Technology is a valuable space for young people to learn, play, socialise and explore their interests. However, it’s becoming increasingly challenging for young people to stay safe online.
The NSPCC believes that young people have a right to be safe online, but the organisation is concerned about the risk of them being exposed to a variety of online harms such as disinformation, pornography, misogynistic content and bullying.
Ten young people aged 14 to 18 – including Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) – are leading the campaign as Digital Safety Ambassadors. They are all passionate about ensuring that decisions made to reduce online harm for children and young people in Scotland take their opinions and experiences on board.
The project will also work with members of the NSPCC’s online safety participation group – Voice of Online Youth and young people aged 11 to 18 from across Scotland who will take part in insight-gathering and workshops to co-design resources.
Evan Rae (16), MSYP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, said: “I am most concerned about content such as disinformation, violence and pornography that are being pushed into young people’s feeds by the algorithms of big social media platforms.”
Catriona Daw (16), MSYP for Falkirk East, said: “It’s important that young people are involved in making the internet a safer place as the only people who can truly know the dangers of the internet (that face young people) are me and my peers as we experience it firsthand.
“Leaving children and young people out of the discussion would lead to important issues being overlooked.”
Joanna Barrett, NSPCC Associate Head of Policy for the Nations, said: “We believe children have a right to be safe online and their voices should be heard on the issues that matter most to them.
“It is crucial that we hear from children and young people so we can identify what support they need to keep them safe and confident online.
“Young people bring unique perspectives and valuable insights. By listening to and championing their voices, we can support decision makers and those with responsibility for child safety online to keep young people at the heart of solutions to preventing online harm.”
For more information about this project visit: NSPCC Child Safety Online
To get support and advice about keeping children safe online, visit: NSPCC Keeping Children Safe Online
Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.
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