14-05-2025
Scottish Youth Parliament members lead online safety campaign
The group, which includes members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs), will lead the Amplifying Child Safety Online Project as 'digital safety ambassadors'.
The drive is a partnership between the Scottish Youth Parliament and the NSPCC and aims to put children's views and experiences at the centre of the conversation.
Catriona Daw (16), MSYP for Falkirk East, said: 'It's important that young people are involved in making the internet a safer place.
'The only people who can truly know the dangers of the internet that face young people are me and my peers as we experience it firsthand.
'Leaving children and young people out of the discussion would lead to important issues being overlooked.'
The NSPCC's online safety participation group, Voice of Online Youth, and young people aged 11 to 18 from across Scotland will also take part in insight gathering and workshops to co-design resources.
Evan Rae (16), MSYP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, said: 'I am most concerned about content such as disinformation, violence and pornography that are being pushed into young people's feeds by the algorithms of big social media platforms.'
The NSPCC believes technology is a valuable space for young people to learn, play, socialise, and explore their interests, but safety is becoming increasingly challenging.
Joanna Barrett, NSPCC associate head of policy for the devolved nations, said: 'We believe children have a right to be safe online and their voices should be heard on the issues that matter most to them.
'It is crucial that we hear from children and young people so we can identify what support they need to keep them safe and confident online.
'Young people bring unique perspectives and valuable insights. By listening to them and championing their voices.
'We can support decision makers and those with responsibility for child safety online to keep young people at the heart of solutions to preventing online harm.'
