Childline counselling sessions about online child sexual abuse jump by over a third in one year

  • Alarming new figures reveal that last year Childline delivered over 2,400 counselling sessions to children and young people across the UK about online child sexual abuse and exploitation – an annual increase of 36%.
  • Overall, the service delivered over 4,300 counselling sessions to children and young people across the UK with concerns about online harms.
  • NSPCC urges the Government to go further than a ban and take three key actions when their online safety consultation concludes to force tech companies to keep children safe.
  • The charity has also launched a new campaign Shift Ctrl which highlights how online harm disrupts the everyday lives of young people.

Children’s charity the NSPCC are raising the alarm as Childline counselling sessions across the UK about online child sexual abuse and exploitation jumped by more than a third in the last year.

New data from the NSPCC-run service reveals that between April 2025 and March 2026 Childline delivered 2,444 counselling sessions across the UK about online child sexual abuse and exploitation, marking a 36% annual increase.

These figures feed into and reflect a wider problem, with 4,321 counselling sessions taking place about all online harms, including online child sexual abuse, cyberbullying and concerns about young people’s digital behaviour – a 30% increase compared on the year before.

The NSPCC is highlighting these findings as further evidence of how tech companies are failing to protect children across their sites, arguing that without swift action the risks young people face online will get even worse.

Speaking to the service, children described encountering inappropriate and harmful content, falling for online scams, being bullied online and facing privacy concerns on big tech platforms.

They also shared reflections on their social media behaviour and sought advice on managing their screen time and online habits.

Of the 2,444 contacts about online child sexual abuse, young people spoke about being scared that images of them would be shared, about being financially extorted, and the impact this form of abuse could have on their futures. Many asked for support on how to speak to an adult about this.

One 14-year-old girl who contacted Childline said: “I met a guy online and he managed to get photos of me in my underwear. I didn’t send them to him, so I don’t know how he got them.

“He threatened to put my photos on adult websites if I don’t send him more photos. I’m so scared. I’ve reported him online and I’m wondering if I should go to the police too.”

At the same, the children’s charity has launched its Shift Ctrl campaign which highlights how online harm disrupts the everyday lives of young people. It calls on the public to join the charity in demanding urgent action from Government and tech companies to create a safer online world for children.

A video[SM1]  promoting the campaign will appear on various on‑demand TV services, in cinemas (including before The Mandalorian and Grogu), across online video and social media platforms and on billboards across the UK.

As the Government consults on children’s access to social media, the charity is setting out three key actions that they must take to hold tech companies to account and keep children safe:

  1. Make sure teens get genuinely age‑appropriate experiences – platforms must be safe before children can use them.
  2. Stop platforms using addictive design tricks that leave young people feeling out of control.
  3. Use the full force of the law to block illegal and harmful content e.g. nude images at the source across online services, including on devices and AI.

Chris Sherwood, CEO at the NSPCC, said: “For far too long, tech companies have prioritised profit over the wellbeing of children, playing fast and loose with their safety. Enough is enough.

“Behind each of these Childline counselling sessions is a child in distress, using an online world with features that are designed to put them at risk.

“It is crucial that the Government uses their consultation on children’s access to the online world as a springboard to finally hold platforms to account for this harm and to force them to make these spaces safe for young users. This includes ensuring tech companies take action in blocking nude images of children from being taken and shared in real time.

“I urge everyone who cares about creating a safer online world for children to take part in the public consultation before it closes. Together, we can put an end to this harm and give children the safety they need and deserve and parents demand.”

Kerry Smith, Chief Executive of the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) said: “Everywhere we look online, children are being sexually exploited. Girls are facing increasingly normalised sexual violence, while boys are being singled out by criminals who capitalise on feelings of shame and fear to extort money from them.

 “Our analysts are discovering record amounts of child sexual abuse imagery online. Stopping this downward spiral and working to create an internet where everyone can flourish needs to be the priority. Safety by design needs to be a guiding principle – and new products and platforms must be built to make sure there is nowhere where criminals can target and exploit children.

 “This must apply to all parts of the internet, even those which are end to end encrypted. Currently, it is just too easy for criminals to target and exploit children and young people. Everybody must play their part in making sure children can learn, play, and socialise online in safety.”

You can submit your response to the Government’s consultation here.

Tomorrow: Author event at Corstorphine Library

WE are hosting local author Flora Johnston for an event talking about historical fiction, and her published books.

If you would like to come to this free event, simply come along to the library for 18:30 tomorrow – Monday 18th May.

May is Local History Month, and 2026 is the National Year of Reading – #GoAllIn

Residents across Edinburgh to choose how to spend Visitor Levy funds in their neighbourhoods

Councillors have agreed how the new £2m Participatory Budgeting (PB) programme will fund the local neighbourhood projects chosen by residents.

Each of the Council’s 17 electoral wards will benefit from a share of £1.7m over three years, with residents directly deciding how to spend the portion of Levy income in their local ward via a new online voting portal.

It will launch through a one-year pilot programme to test the process and identify areas for future improvements, with £20,000 available per ward in the 2026/27 financial year, followed by the remaining funds for two-year projects to take place in 2027/28 and 2028/29. The share of the fund wards receive is influenced by local need and population, with amounts going to different wards recognising where some are more deprived.

Each PB cycle will be delivered in three stages:

  1. Idea generation: Communities and residents will express how they want the money to be spent in their ward (local plans will be considered as part of this process, where these exist).
  2. Project proposals: Community organisations and charities will make funding applications in response to the ideas and priorities generated.
  3. Decision-making: People can vote to decide which specific proposals residents want to see funded in their ward – residents will only be allowed to vote on projects in the ward they live in.

The final selected projects in each area will be awarded to external organisations for delivery.

Also included in the overall £2m fund is £300,000 to administer the programme, including staff time to establish and manage the process, alongside promotion and engagement activities. The programme team will work to establish partnerships with community organisations, including community councils, to deliver and champion local activity.

The scheme – which is the first of this scale in the UK – is part of the £90m+ package of transformative funding over the next three years, agreed in February, to sustain and enhance Edinburgh’s reputation as one of the most beautiful and enjoyable destinations in the world.  

The initiative has been designed to empower the city’s local communities, increase civic engagement and improve Edinburgh’s neighbourhoods in a way that addresses local priorities.

The programme’s proposals have been developed by Council officers, informed by feedback from consultation with elected members and community groups. The independent Edinburgh Visitor Levy Advisory Forum has also been consulted and provided feedback and recommendations.

In accordance with the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act (2024), funds raised by the levy must be reinvested in local facilities and services substantially used by business and leisure visitors. However, participatory budgeting may also benefit residents and those who work and study in Edinburgh.

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “Some of our communities have already experienced and benefitted from other PB programmes in Edinburgh, but this is the biggest and first to be delivered across the whole of the city.

“We’ve specifically designed this programme to complement existing schemes, and we’re proud that residents in every ward across the city will soon benefit from an equal share of some of the funds provided by the Visitor Levy. This means visitors to Edinburgh are contributing towards local projects that benefit us all in the places we live, work and visit ourselves.

“Given the scale of the programme, we’re taking a trial approach for the first portion of funding, which will allow us to closely monitor how well the scheme runs and make improvements for future years. The proposed approach is the result of a huge amount of engagement with community groups – and I’m very pleased that this level of engagement will continue as we review and evolve the programme.

“There are going to be plenty of opportunities for people to participate and have their say on the kinds of projects they’d like to see improve their local areas.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the first sets of project ideas take shape, and how our communities engage with this process and choose to invest in their local areas so we can continue to improve every corner of our beautiful capital city.”

Edinburgh’s Visitor Levy scheme was formally agreed in January 2025.

The levy applies to paid overnight accommodation booked after 1 October 2025, if the stay takes place from 24 July 2026 onwards. It is a 5% payment on the accommodation-only cost and applies to the first 5 nights’ stay. The scheme is projected to raise up to £50 million a year to invest in protecting, supporting and enhancing Edinburgh’s worldwide appeal as a place to visit and live.

The PB paper was heard at Culture and Communities Committee on 15 May. You can view the meeting on our webcast.

The Desperation Olympics?

GOVERNMENT GIMMICK TO SHARE UP SUPPORT IN NORTH OF ENGLAND?

  • First Olympics in the North of England in government’s sights alongside stadium regeneration push
  • Initial strategic assessment commissioned into potential bid for Olympic and Paralympic Games in the North of England in the 2040s
  • Assessment will test if hosting could deliver transformational regeneration and growth in the North  
  • Towns and cities across England also set to benefit from sports infrastructure accelerator programme, to remove barriers to major sports led regeneration
  • By-election looming in Greater Manchester – just a coincidence?

The Labour government has commissioned its expert arm’s-length body UK Sport to carry out an initial strategic assessment examining whether the UK could host an Olympic and Paralympic Games in the North of England during the 2040s, as part of an ambitious growth drive to use sports to power regeneration of towns and cities. 

Initial work examining whether the UK could host the Games for the first time since London 2012 will assess key factors such as potential cost, socioeconomic benefit and any bid’s chance of success.

The Government ‘firmly sees major sporting events and sporting facilities as playing a key role in driving economic growth, regeneration, improving pride in place, and bolstering the UK’s global appeal’. 

Culture Secretary (and coincidentally North of England MP) Lisa Nandy said: “London 2012 showed what the Olympics can do for our country. It inspired a generation through sport, attracted huge investment and showed the best of Britain to the world.

“But while the North of England has driven so much sporting excellence, no matter the talent we produce, the sporting moments we create, and the world-class events we attract – for too long we have been told the Olympics is simply too big and too important to be hosted in the North.

“Not any more. It’s time the Olympics came North and we showed what we can offer to the world. I couldn’t be more pleased to announce that we’re starting the firing gun on a long overdue vote of confidence in the North.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “Britain’s sporting prowess is recognised and respected around the world. It’s something we are determined to capitalise on to breathe life into our communities and build a stronger and more secure economy.

“That’s why we’re throwing our full support behind bringing the Games back home which will boost our Northern Growth Corridor. It’s also why we’re backing stadium regeneration plans, like at Elland Road, to deliver new homes, business opportunities and public spaces in Leeds and beyond.

The Government has also announced a wave of new work to use sport as a catalyst for local regeneration and economic growth. This includes: 

  • A Stadium Regeneration Accelerator:In a further growth boost for towns and cities across England, a new cross-government programme will work with sporting bodies on priority sports infrastructure development projects  – such as stadiums – that can help deliver local regeneration and commercial growth. Funding will not be used for the regeneration of these stadiums but the government will work with sports clubs and leagues to unlock opportunities for large-scale housing delivery, jobs, apprenticeships, transport improvement and community sports facilities. DCMS will work alongside the Office for Investment (OfI) HM Treasury and Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government with sports bodies such as the Premier League, the English Football League and the WSL Football. Together they will identify, and unblock, barriers to development at both a national and local level – and will include projects across the sports sector. The OfI will act as the front door for potential investors to be involved in the programme. Planned projects across England include proposals in Greater Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool and London that have the potential to regenerate their surrounding areas. The government will also look at how we can learn lessons and share best practice with counterparts from Europe and further afield.
  • A new Sporting Events Bill:Introduced to Parliament on Thursday, the new Bill will make it easier to bid for, secure and deliver major sporting events in future, including UEFA EURO 2028. It will also make the unauthorised resale of tickets for designated major events a criminal offence, ensuring more tickets reach real fans at face value rather than being snapped up by touts and resold.
  • UK Government Strategy for Major Events:The government will set out its plans to support and provide leadership to the nation’s wider major events sector, by delivering a cross-sector strategy within the coming year. The strategy will cover major events in all sectors – cultural, sporting and business – and will ensure that major events continue to drive economic growth, enhance the UK’s soft power across the globe, and strengthen social cohesion in our towns and cities. This will build on the UK’s outstanding track record — from the 80th commemorations of VE day and the billions of pounds generated every year from hosting business events, to the record-breaking Women’s Rugby World Cup last year. 
  • A Ministerial Adviser on Soft Power and Major Events:The government has also appointed Lord McConnell as a Ministerial Adviser on Soft Power and Major Events. Lord McConnell, who was central to bringing the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow in 2014, will support the government’s ambition to cement the UK’s position as the go-to destination for the world’s most prestigious sporting and cultural events, drawing on his experience in international affairs, public policy and supporting the delivery of major events.

The UK has a ‘phenomenal pipeline’ of major sporting events to look forward to.

This summer alone brings the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. In 2027, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grands Départs will be the most accessible major sporting event ever held in Great Britain.

UEFA EURO 2028 is forecast to generate £3.2 billion in socioeconomic benefits – creating jobs, driving regional growth, and drawing a surge of international visitors to communities the length and breadth of the country.  

The Government is already backing bids to host the World Athletics and Para-Athletics Championships in 2029, as well as the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as part of its commitment to driving a decade of change in women’s sport. 

Alongside more than £500 million invested into the delivery of major sporting events, the Government is making a serious and sustained commitment to grassroots sport. At least £400 million is being invested in community facilities across the country, ensuring that the legacy of every major event is felt far and wide. 

Chair of The Great North, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “From our great cities and towns to our coastlines and countryside, the North has the venues, the passion and the sporting pride to deliver a world-class Olympic and Paralympic Games that showcases the very best of Great Britain to the world.

“A Great North Olympics would be a global showcase, leaving a legacy of prosperity, unity and renewal. It’s an opportunity not to be missed, delivering transformational investment in transport, regeneration and public spaces across the North of England. This could become the most people-powered Games ever hosted: inspiring millions of people into sport, volunteering and community action.”

No quote from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, though. Funny that!

Bad Luck, Hearts!

The Lord Provost sends his commiserations to everyone at Heart of Midlothian Football Club following their loss to Celtic

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “On behalf of the city, I want to pass on my commiserations to everyone at Heart of Midlothian FC, the players, their fans and everyone who has been rooting for the team during this incredible season.

“The players gave absolutely everything at Celtic Park this afternoon and to lose so late in the game was truly heart-breaking.

“The club has had such a great campaign, bringing so much joy, excitement and inspiration to their fans and to the wider community. They really have been the ‘talk of the toon’ and in recent weeks the buzz in and around Gorgie has been palpable.

“The players’ hard work and spirit has been something to behold and, despite today’s disappointment, I’m sure this will stand them in good stead for next season.”

Police Scotland statement following disorder in Trongate area of Glasgow

Police Scotland officers dealt with unacceptable violence and hostility as fans gathered in Glasgow on Saturday, 16 May, to celebrate Celtic’s Premiership title win.

Around 3000 people made their way to the Trongate area of the city following the match, where we faced significant levels of disorder in which officers were injured. Missiles, including glass bottles, were thrown at them when assisting with a medical emergency.

Specially trained public order officers were deployed and action was taken to restore order, disperse the crowd and make arrests.

Extensive enquiries are underway to identify others involved and further arrests will be made.

A significant amount of alcohol and pyrotechnics were also proactively seized by officers across the day.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said: “While we recognise that the majority of fans respected the appeal from police and partners to act responsibly, several thousand still descended on the Trongate area, some of whom engaged in serious disorder.

“Once again, we have seen unacceptable levels of violence and anti-social behaviour and Police Scotland’s officers have been left to deal with the consequences. Being assaulted is not part of the job and regrettably a number of them were injured.

“The levels of criminal behaviour witnessed, in particular the hostility directed towards our officers, is simply unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. Those involved should be in no doubt that they will be identified and arrested.

“This mass assembly of people caused significant disruption to local businesses, residents and members of the public in the City Centre.

“Urgent discussions with Celtic, wider Scottish football authorities and other stakeholders, including Glasgow City Council, is required to achieve a solution that improves public safety, reduces disruption and prevents this from happening again.”

Police are engaging with Heart of Midlothian FC to establish if any of their players were assaulted on the pitch at the conclusion of the event. The circumstances of the incident are being reviewed.

Club Statement: Events at Celtic Park

Heart of Midlothian utterly condemns the shameful scenes at Celtic Park this afternoon which have, once again, embarrassed Scottish football.

Reports of serious physical and verbal abuse towards our players and staff, both on the pitch and elsewhere, are deeply disturbing. We are investigating this fully and are in dialogue with Police Scotland. We will make no further comment at this time other than to say that it is completely unacceptable that our players and staff were put in that situation.

Given the menacing and threatening atmosphere inside the stadium, our entire staff had no alternative but to leave immediately, without undertaking post-match media duties. To our media partners, we apologise but the safety of our staff was our prime focus during these unacceptable scenes.

The pitch invasion caused a chaotic end and nobody seemed to know whether or not the match had been brought to a finish.

Our players were then denied the opportunity to thank our magnificent fans – sensational to a person – for their backing this afternoon and all season long.

We expect the strongest action possible to be taken by the footballing authorities in the interests of protecting the safety of players and supporters, and the integrity of our game.

This season has seen Hearts capture the imagination of football fans, not only in Scotland, but the world over. We pay tribute to Derek McInnes, his staff, the first team and the supporters, who have done the club proud this season.

None of them deserved the disgraceful scenes that unfolded.

Next steps for Cash First Communities

What’s next for cash first in Scotland?

And how can the new Scottish Government make more progress in ending the need for charitable food aid forever?

Join @TrussellScot & @IFAN_UK on 22nd June to discuss the next steps.

Sign up here: https://bit.ly/CashFirst26

Pokémon GO Fest 10th Anniversary Community Celebration in Edinburgh

In celebration of Pokémon GO’s 10th anniversary and Pokémon GO Fest 2026, Community Celebrations are being hosted for Trainers around the world. These open local events will take place during the weekend of the free Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Global.

Each Community Celebration will feature onsite festivities, including a Pokémon GO pop-up event with interactive opportunities, photo opportunities to capture magical moments, fun activities with local Community Ambassadors, and exciting giveaways and prizes.

Taking place in 26 cities worldwide, these Community Celebrations will invite Trainers to engage with their local community and challenge themselves against Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y in Super Mega Raid Battles.

All events will take place between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. in their local time. Locations include:

North America

  • Atlanta, Georgia – July 11
  • Vancouver, Canada – July 11
  • San Francisco, California – July 12
  • Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas – July 12
  • New York City, New York – July 11 and July 12

Europe

  • Hamburg, Germany – July 11
  • Barcelona, Spain – July 11 
  • Bordeaux, France – July 11
  • Warsaw, Poland – July 11
  • Edinburgh, United Kingdom – July 12
  • Antwerp, Belgium – July 12

Latin America

  • São Paulo, Brazil – July 12
  • Santiago, Chile – July 12
  • Puebla, Mexico – July 12
  • Lima, Peru – July 12

Asia-Pacific

  • Tokyo, Japan – July 11
  • Miyagi, Japan – July 12
  • Seoul, Korea – July 11 and July 12
  • Taipei, Taiwan – July 11 and July 12
  • Jakarta, Indonesia – July 11 and July 12
  • Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – July 11 and July 12
  • Bengaluru, India – July 11 and July 12 
  • New Delhi, India – July 11 and July 12 
  • Mumbai, India – July 11 and July 12
  • Bangkok, Thailand – July 11 and July 12
  • Melbourne, Australia – July 11 and July 12

Note: Specific venue details will be announced in the coming weeks.