JENNY GILRUTH MSP JOINS CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE SAFER INTERNET

Published date : 12 Feb 2018

JENNY GILRUTH MSP JOINS CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE SAFER INTERNET

MID FIFE & GLENROTHES PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO BE REMOVED FROM STRANGER SNAPCHAT SEARCH FOLLOWING SNP MSP PRESSURE

MSP Jenny Gilruth has joined the campaign to boost internet safety for young people – after pressure from SNP MSPs Kevin Stewart and Gillian Martin led to Snapchat removing primary schools from their search function.

Marking Safer Internet Day, local MSP Jenny Gilruth backed this action and called on Snapchat to go further and also remove secondary schools from its search tool – which allows strangers to find and watch videos from these locations.

And Jenny Gilruth is also encouraging pupils in Mid Fife and Glenrothes to take part in a nationwide film competition that aims to raise awareness of the dangers related to sending nude photos online.

MSP for Jenny Gilruth said:

“I appreciate the efforts made by my colleagues Gillian Martin MSP and Kevin Stewart MSP that have made Snapchat safer for children all over Mid Fife and Glenrothes and Scotland – and I hope that Snapchat go even further and remove secondary schools as well.

“The Parliamentary debate this week brought this issue to the forefront and highlights the increasing risks when sharing personal information online.

“As a former secondary teacher, I know all too well of the social pressure felt by many children throughout their school years. Whileteachers, parents and politicians, all have a part to play in ensuring our children are protected online, snapchat have a huge opportunity to take charge of this issue and remove a very real threat to young people across Scotland.

“Parents should speak with their children to make sure they know how to stay safe online and understand the risks of posting certain information.

“The upcoming nationwide film competition is a great initiative that gives children across Mid Fife and Glenrothes the opportunity to engage with these dangers in a creative manner.

ENDS

Local Reporters, East Fife Mail, Glenrothes Gazette, St Andrews Citizen, Courier (Fife), HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE, EDUCATION, COMMUNITY