Young people take the lead in nationwide Safer Internet Day campaign
Young people across the UK are joining together to create a kinder online community today,Safer Internet Day 2015, as a new study into Friendship in a Digital Age reveals that 30% of young people have been on the receiving end of mean online behaviour in the past year.
The research comes as official organisers of the day, the UK Safer Internet Centre, launch #Up2Us, a new film made by over 150 schoolchildren about their online experiences – both good and bad – with the aim of inspiring young people across the UK to do something kind online this Safer Internet Day. The film will be premiered at events across the UK today, attended by government Ministers and young people.
Celebrities, including young stars such as Britain’s Got Talent finalists Bars and Melody, and Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle, have backed the campaign. Beth and other celebrities feature on Safer Internet Day TV, which is hosted by CBBC Friday Download presenters Molly and Harvey, and will be available online today from 11am and 2pm, with a social media takeover by Bars and Melody at 8pm.
They join hundreds supporting the #SID2015 social media campaign to ‘share a smile online’, which is set to reach over 1.5 million in a mass tweet at 8am today, along with over 800 organisations that have pledged their support for Safer Internet Day 2015. High profile partners including the BBC, CEOP, Disney, the FA, Facebook, Google, Lloyds Banking Group, Microsoft, NSPCC, Twitter and the UK Government, as well as hundreds of schools and other organisations, are all coming together to deliver a range of inspiring activities across the UK.
Friendship in a digital age
According to the online study of more than a thousand 11-16-year-olds conducted by ResearchBods, more than three quarters (78%) believe that young people have the power to create a kinder online community. The majority (88%) of the young people questioned say they always try to be kind in their online interactions.
The study reveals the huge role that technology plays in supporting young people’s friendships, with over half (55%) saying they interact online with their closest friends several times an hour and 63% saying they are closer to their friends because of the internet. Reassuringly the internet is a positive place for the majority of young people surveyed. When questioned about their time spent on social networks and messaging apps, the majority of 11-16s (63%) felt that people were kind to them on the internet most of the time.
However, some young people face negative experiences online. Almost a third (30%) of young people said that someone had been mean to them in the last year, with 1 in 20 (5%) saying that people were mean to them most of the time on the internet.
Many of these young people are taking positive steps to tackle these negative experiences, with three-quarters (75%) of young people who experienced mean behaviour saying they have blocked someone in the last year, while 68% said they have supported someone else who was being targeted online. More positively, 64% of young people said they felt able to cope with anything negative that might happen online and 81% said they know what to do if someone is abusive towards them online.
An additional survey of UK adults by ComRes demonstrates that this isn’t just an issue for children. 45% of adults who use social networking and messaging apps said they occasionally see people on their social networks and messaging apps posting unkind, negative or upsetting content. People sharing gossip and rumours has occurred for three quarters (72%) of adults using social networking and messaging apps, while around three in five (59%) have experienced people posting things that attack a certain group (e.g. racist, sexist or homophobic comments).
That’s why everyone is being encouraged to play their part in creating a better internet.
Will Gardner, Director of the UK Safer Internet Centre, said: “It’s heartening to hear that the majority of young people are finding the internet a positive place on the whole, but there’s more to be done to make sure that’s the experience for everyone. We’re encouraging everyone to take action today – whether that’s sharing a smiley face or making a promise about your online behaviour. It really is up to us to make the internet a better place.”
For more information on the activities taking place to celebrate Safer Internet Day, visit the UK Safer Internet Centre website.
Campaign encourages Scots to act if they think an adult is being harmed
Scots are being urged to act if they think an adult is being harmed, neglected or exploited. The Scottish Government’s ‘Seen something? Say something’ campaign is being launched today. It aims to raise awareness of the issues of adult harm and adults who are at risk of being harmed.
The campaign encourages people to act on their suspicions or instincts that somebody may be experiencing harm. An email or anonymous call to your local council is all it takes, and they will investigate the matter sensitively.
Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, said: “It’s a sad fact that there are many adults in our society who are suffering at the hands of others. This could be physical harm, sexual abuse or financial exploitation. It could be neglect, psychological bullying, or taking advantage of a vulnerable person for your own advantage.
“It’s time that this suffering, which so often takes place in the shadows, came to an end. Through this campaign we are urging people to take action if they think an adult is being harmed.”
Contact details for all of Scotland’s local adult protection teams can be found at www.actagainstharm.org.
Getting complete statistics on adult harm in Scotland is difficult, and the full picture is unclear. However, it’s estimated that there are about 300 referrals to council social work departments every week and that, on average, 16 of these will result in an investigation.
It’s not always easy to tell if an adult is in trouble. But there are signs and situations to be aware of. For example, a person may have unexplained cuts and bruises, or refuse to talk about injuries. They may be failing to look after themselves or their property, be confused about where their money has gone, or be giving money to people they know for reasons that might raise concerns.
They may appear quiet, withdrawn or nervous around certain people, get upset at the mention of their relationship, or may constantly be having people – friends or strangers – visiting and using their home for reasons that are unclear.
Paul Comely, National Adult Protection Coordinator at WithScotland, said: “People often have an instinctual feeling that someone is being harmed or is at risk; a sense that something is not right. By acting on this, they could help a person who is at risk to overcome the situation and become safe from harm.
“Sometimes people don’t want to get involved, for fear of being seen to intrude in other people’s lives. Or they are worried they might be wrong about the situation and their actions will result in another person being unfairly accused. But it is vital to raise concerns, and it is safe to do so; the local council will check the situation sensitively and support will be given, if needed.
“If you think an adult is at risk of harm and something feels wrong, you’re right to get it checked out. If you’ve seen something, say something.”
Police Scotland Detective Superintendent Willie Guild, said: “One particularly insidious type of harm is financial harm with people being exploited through a range of scams, as well as doorstep criminals such as bogus callers or rogue traders, putting pressure on people to hand over their money or belongings. However it is not always strangers who pose the risk to vulnerable members of our communities and it is not always easy to identify a person is being harmed. I would urge people if they are concerned about an adult who may be at risk of harm to act on their instincts by contacting their local authority.
“Alternatively contact Police Scotland on 101. In an emergency always contact the police by calling 999. We will act on calls we receive and together we will tackle adult harm and improve adult protection across Scotland.”
A successful pilot scheme that helps frontline staff identify problem drinking amongst elderly people in the west of Edinburgh is set to be rolled out across the city.
An advice toolkit was drawn up after alcohol-related harm was identified as a significant concern amongst those aged 65 years and over and living in the Almond and Western Edinburgh areas of the city.
A report about the scheme will be made to members of the Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee when it meets on Tuesday (10 February).
Staff training and the toolkit, which includes a unit measuring glass, phone numbers and information leaflets, has been well received and it is anticipated that similar training may be received by Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue and third sector partners in the future.
The scheme was created by the joint Almond and Western Edinburgh Neighbourhood Partnership Health and Community Care Sub-Group in collaboration with NHS Lothian who had concerns about drinking habits; these were supported by local health care partners and local GPs.
The next step is to roll the training programme out to third sector partners, equality groups and local businesses. Information sessions are also planned for GP surgeries, pharmacies, libraries and shopping centres.
Councillor Maureen Child, Communities and Neighbourhoods Convener, said: “Many elderly people enjoy the occasional tipple, and there is nothing wrong with that. This toolkit is aimed at those whose drinking habits are causing harm to their health and are in need of advice.
“Staff have been very positive about the pilot scheme and have welcomed the support it gives them to approach residents who may be struggling. It makes sense to roll it out to other areas of the city, and it’s fantastic that other organisations are also interested in using it.
“The health and well-being of our residents is the most important factor, especially with our ageing population. Anything that helps to reduce health inequalities should be welcomed.”
Lesley Taylor, Neighbourhood Support Service Manager for the Council, has taken part in the training. She works with vulnerable adults through the housing support service. Lesley said: “Our priority is to support the people we visit to make the best choices regarding their health and lifestyles. This toolkit has been extremely helpful by giving staff the confidence to talk to clients where there is a concern about their drinking habits. We’ve found that people are open to the advice and have been able to dispel some of the myths surrounding alcohol use.”
Eleanor McWhirter, NHS Lothian Lead in Alcohol Brief Interventions, said: “This pilot is a great example of community groups, NHS Health Promotion Service and the Council working together to promote the health and well being of the local population.
“It revealed that intervening early and focusing on the needs of local people can be effective in reducing alcohol consumption. We look forward to potentially expanding this work to other areas of the city.”
Counterfeit tobacco and alcohol confiscated in joint raids
Over £4500 worth of contraband goods were seized and one man was arrested following raids on premises in North and Central Edinburgh yesterday.
Detectives and police officers from the Search and Recovery Team worked with colleagues from Trading Standards, Imperial Tobacco, HMRC and Stirling Council in the operation.
The team carried out intelligence-led raids on on five shops – including one North Edinburgh convenience store – and recovered a ‘significant amount’ of counterfeit tobacco products and alcohol.
Illegal goods worth around £4500 were seized including around 70 litres of vodka and whisky valued at approximately £3000 and a large quantity of imported tobacco. A 29-year-old male was also arrested for an immigration offence.
DCI Stuart Houston, Edinburgh Division CID said: “Following intelligence, officers from Police Scotland, HMRC, Trading Standards, Imperial Tobacco and Stirling Council took part in a day of action targeting a number of commercial premises in Edinburgh.
“As a result, officers seized around £4500 worth of counterfeit goods and made one arrest in relation to an immigration offence.
“This follows a similar operation we led in December and we will continue to thoroughly investigate those who choose to ignore the law surrounding the sale of counterfeit goods.
“If anyone is aware of counterfeit goods being sold to the public then I ask them to contact police immediately on 101 or Crimestoppers.”
Police are appealing for witnesses following an attempted armed robbery at a bookmakers in Ferry Road last night. The incident occurred at around 6.30pm at a Scotbet bookmakers.
The male suspect approached the counter with a handgun. He handed the member of staff a note, demanding they hand over money. The member of staff refused to hand over any money and the suspect ran out of the shop empty-handed.
The suspect is described as a white man in his mid 40’s, around 5ft 5″ with a slender build. He was wearing a black hat, which peaks at the top, waterproof black gloves, a khaki green jacket, dark jeans with faded patches and notable turn ups and brown ankle boots.
Police believe the incident may be linked to a previous armed robbery, which occurred at a petrol station on Ferry Road on Sunday 18 January. That robbery was successful, with a three-figure sum stolen.
Detective Sergeant Lynsey Thomson said: “While this robbery was unsuccessful, this incident was very distressing for the member of staff and we are keen to trace the suspect as soon as possible.
“We also believe that this incident may be linked to a previous incident the happened at a petrol station last week, also on Ferry Road (see below). Any witnesses who may have seen the suspect, or who recognise the description of him, are asked to come forward.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police are appealing for witnesses following the assault and robbery of a 32-year-old man in North Junction Street.
The incident occurred last Saturday (24 January) at around 7.30pm. The man was walking home towards Ocean Terminal he was struck to the head from behind.
He was temporarily lost consciousness and awoke to find his property was scattered around him. He realised he had been attacked and sought help from a local shop, who called the Scottish Ambulance Service and he was later treated at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
Officers are especially keen to speak to any witnesses as the victim has very little memory of the attack.
Several items were taken from the victim, including his mobile phone and his black Nike jacket. He also suffered significant facial injuries, which may require further surgery.
Detective Constable Carole Sneddon said: “This was a vicious attack, which has left the victim with significant injuries.
“Due to the nature of the assault, the victim has very little knowledge of the incident, however it took place in a busy thoroughfare and several people may have seen the incident take place.
“We are eager to speak to anyone who may have information. Any witnesses can contact Police Scotland on 101 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Police Scotland have released images of a male they wish to identify in connection with a recent armed robbery at the Leith end of Ferry Road.
The incident happened at 10pm on Sunday 18 January when a male threatened the lone member of staff at the BP petrol station on Ferry Road near Leith Library. He was armed with a handgun.
The man pictured is described as being white and aged between 35 and 45 years old. He has a slim build and a ginger/greying goatee and moustache. He was wearing a black hooded top, blue jeans, a brown three-quarter-length jacket and tab ankle boots.
He was also possibly wearing a grey checked scarf and black gloves and carrying a brown leather bag.
Police are now looking to speak to the male, and anyone who recognises him is asked to contact police immediately.
Detective Constable Mark Seymour said: “We are keen to speak to this man. Despite extensive enquiries to find him, we have still to identify him. I am sure that someone knows who he is, and I would ask them to come forward to assist us. Similarly I would appeal to the male himself to get in touch with us.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, or the charity Crimestoppers in complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.
Two men have been arrested and charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act after police in North Edinburgh recovered a large quantity of Class C drugs.
As part of Operation Quarterlight, officers conducted a search of a vehicle in Pennywell Road at around 2pm yesterday (Friday). Around 30,000 diazepam tablets were recovered and two men aged 25 and 20 were detained.
A further 400 diazepam tablets, a half kilo of cannabis and a quantity of other suspected stolen items were later recovered following a search of two addresses by police. The recovered drugs are valued at over £35,000.
Both men are scheduled to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday (26 January).
Inspector David Happs said: “This was a significant recovery of potentially harmful drugs, which have been seized before they could cause harm to our communities.
“Operation Quarterlight action continues across Edinburgh and in addition to identifying those responsible for vehicle crime, this initiative will assist us in targeting criminals using their vehicles for committing other crimes, such as the transportation of illegal drugs.
“Police Scotland is committed to tackling drug crime within our communities and will always act on information we receive from the public.
“Anyone wishing to report crimes of this nature in their local area can do so by calling on 101 or by making an anonymous report via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
