This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Internet safety for young surfers
06/01/2003
A campaign to alert young people to the dangers of
paedophiles over the internet was launched today.
Cinema and radio adverts will be used to spell out the
hidden dangers of internet chatrooms, which can be
maliciously used by adults to gain the trust of
unsuspecting children.
Launching the
Think U Know campaign in Scotland, Minister for Young People
Cathy Jamieson said:
"Paedophiles use clever grooming tactics to worm their
way into the hearts and minds of girls and boys on the
internet. They may adopt false identities, getting young
people to give away personal details. Sometimes they
arrange to meet and this can put their victims in real
danger.
"Chatrooms can be great fun but users need to take
sensible precautions. Young people shouldn't give out
personal details like address, phone number or e-mail. If
anyone is getting heavy or making young people feel
uncomfortable they should log off.
"Young people shouldn't be afraid to tell someone if,
for example, they get unwanted e-mails or text messages.
Parents, teachers, brothers, sisters and friends are all
good listeners and organisations like ChildLine offer free,
confidential helplines.
"The campaign website
www.thinkuknow.co.uk contains lots more advice on safe surfing for young
people and their parents or carers, and directs them to
other sources of information and support.
"The internet offers endless opportunities. A little bit
of thought when surfing the net or chatting online will
keep these opportunities safe and fun. I would encourage
parents and young people to take a look at the
website."
The cost of the Think U Know campaign in Scotland is
£120,000. It is one of a number of actions being taken by
the Executive to better protect children and young
people.
These include:
- a three-year reform programme to improve joined-up
working between child protection services and ensure
all children at risk are fully protected
- new measures to prevent young people running away
and becoming abused through child prostitution
- the creation of a List of Persons Unsuitable to
Work with Children.