West Dunbartonshire Child Protection Committee is asking parents, carers and members of the public to be ever vigilant about children’s safety online.
This message is in response to of increased concerns from Police Scotland about online child abuse crimes and an increase in the number of people accessing self-help resources to stop online child sexual abuse during lockdown.
As children and young people spend more time online there is an increase in the risk of them seeing something which isn't intended for them, be targeted by cyberbullies or online criminal offenders. Families and communities being aware of the risks and helping prepare children and young people to be vigilant can be the first and necessary step in staying safe online.
There are lots of organisations which provide advice on understanding the risks and helping to keep children safe. They also offer support and confidential helplines for anyone with concerns about, or affected by online abuse or cyberbullying. Links to some of these organisations can be found on the West Dunbartonshire Child Protection Committee website http://www.wdhscp.org.uk/public-protection/child-protection
You can report online crime to Police Scotland:
You can also report a crime anonymously online with Crimestoppers
If you are unsure whether someone's behaviour online is a crime or not call 101. This is a non-emergency police line that can offer advice on what you can report as a crime. You can also visit the Youth Hub on Police Scotland website for advice www.scotland.police.uk
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
