Children only get 18 summers – let’s make this a safe one

FEARLESS LAUNCHES SUMMER CAMPAIGN

Fearless, the youth service of Crimestoppers, has launched its earliest ever summer campaign across Scotland to help young people stay safe from the very start of the holidays.

Supported by Network Rail Scotland, the campaign launches today, weeks before schools break up – so young people hear these messages before summer reaches its peak. It focuses on making positive choices, staying safe online, violence prevention, looking out for each other and knowing how to speak up 100% anonymously if they are worried about crime.

It also comes ahead of key moments in the summer calendar, including the end of exams and major events and festivals across Scotland, when more young people are out and about, travelling and spending time in new places with friends.

Throughout the summer, Fearless will be out in communities, transport hubs and at major events including Youth Beatz and TRNSMT, speaking directly with young people. The campaign offers practical, non-judgemental support wherever young people spend their time. It will also run across TikTok and Snapchat, with content shaped by young people themselves and grounded in the reality of their lives.

Through fearless.org, young people can share information about crime 100% anonymously. No names. No contact details. No way of tracing where potentially lifesaving information came from.

 Lyndsay McDade, Fearless National Manager for Scotland, said: “As a mum to teenagers, I’m very aware that children only get 18 summers before adulthood. I want this to be a great one for young people right across Scotland.

“I want all young people to enjoy themselves, get home safely every day and feel supported to make good choices. That’s what summer should be.

“That’s why we’re launching our campaign earlier than ever, with more visibility and more time spent where young people are, giving them the information and conversations they need to navigate the holidays.

“If you work with or look after young people, please tell them about our charity. They can follow us on our new Scotland TikTok @Fearless_Scot and use our website fearless.org to get the information they need to keep them safe.

“We all need to be there for young people this summer. We need to be present. We need to recognise that they belong in our communities and show them that we believe in them.”

Innis Keith, Health, Safety and Environment Director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “Thousands of journeys are made safely every day on Scotland’s Railway.

“The real risk comes from poor decisions like trespassing, taking shortcuts, or trying to take photos or videos near the tracks. Moments like these can have life‑changing or fatal consequences.

“Through Fearless, we want young people to understand that their choices in those moments really matter.

“The campaign gives them the confidence to look out for themselves and their friends, to speak up when something feels wrong, and to make better decisions around the railway.

“When they feel informed and supported, it’s more likely they’ll make choices that get them home safely.”

Published by

davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

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