News
26 March 2021 Protect Your Children from Online Abuse
25 March 2021 Talk to your Children about Online Risks
• encourage your children to be careful about sharing too much information with someone they’ve never met
Read more24 March 2021 Question Where Your Kids Go Online
• it’s okay to ask about what your kids are doing online and who they are talking too
Read more23 March 2021 Find Out Where Your Kids Go Online
• it’s okay to ask about what your kids are doing online and who they are talking too • don’t ask just once, keep being interested and curious, keep asking questions • learn more about your kids’ online lives, ask them to show you how sites, apps and platforms work
Read more22 March 2021 Shetland Public Protection Committee are supporting the Child Protection Committees Scotland’s new Keeping Kids Safe Online campaign.
The campaign aims to encourage parents and carers to be curious and actively interested in what their children are doing online, and to learn how to help keep them safe from the dangers of online abuse or exploitation.
Read more12 March 2021 Child Sexual Exploitation - Awareness Raising Campaign
The Scottish Government is running a campaign until 24 March 2021 to raise awareness of what child sexual exploitation (CSE) is, improve public understanding and empower those with concerns to act upon them.
Read more15 February 2021 Adult Protection - See Something, Say Something
Shetland Public Protection Committee (SPPC) is asking the community to look out for vulnerable adults ahead of Adult Support and Protection Day on Saturday 20 February 2021.
Read more12 February 2021 Safer Internet Day 2021
With our children using the internet more at the moment to access their home learning, it is essential that we teach them to be SMART. Don't believe everything you see and read on the internet. Always check your sources. The Library offers a wide range of reliable online reference sites to help with homework. https://www.shetland.gov.uk/libraries/online-study-resources Be smart. Stay safe.
Read more11 February 2021 Safer Internet Day 2021
11 February 2021 ‘Being the Light’ - Festival of Care 2021
Shetland shines a light with its Care Experienced residents next week as the community hosts its second annual Festival of Care on 19-23 February. Who Cares? Scotland and Shetland Islands Council have organised the event in collaboration with Care Experienced young people (The #ShetlandCrew). The aim is to challenge myths, stereotypes and popular understandings of care, and celebrate the unique achievements of the isles’ Care Experienced young people. The powerful theme for the Festival is ‘Being the Light’ - how do our young people bring light into all our lives? How can we be lights and beacons for them? How do we find ways of kindling light even in the toughest of times? The Festival will include a series of exciting online opportunities for young people, carers, professionals and the wider community. Launching on National Care Day (19th February), it will explore, engage and connect with Care Experience from a young person’s perspective through, art, culture and interactive online workshop experiences.
Read more10 February 2021 Safer Internet Day 2021
This Safer Internet Day is bigger than ever! More than 1,700 organisations and schools across the UK are getting involved to help inspire a national conversation about using technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively.
Read more9 February 2021 Safer Internet Day 2021
For Safer Internet Day Britannica have shared their Guide to Keeping Safe Online. Click the link below to find more information https:
Read more8 February 2021 Safer Internet Day 2021
Follow Shetland Library and OPEN Peer Educators on facebook and twitter for Safer Internet Day safety messages.
Read more8 February 2021 Safer Internet Day 2021
Tuesday 9 February 2021 is Safer Internet Day with the theme of An Internet We Trust. Look out for our safety messages each day this week.
Read more5 February 2021 Hourglass Scotland
Hourglass Scotland is the only charity in Scotland dedicated to calling time on the harm, abuse and exploitation of older people. We support older people experiencing (or at risk of) harm, abuse or exploitation, and work towards safer ageing and a fairer society for all older people.
Read more4 February 2021 Safer Internet Day 2021 - One week to go!
This Safer Internet Day we have a host of events happening throughout the UK, all of them talking about the theme of reliability online and online safety.
Read more29 January 2021 Keep Kids Safe During Lockdown
As most of Scotland re-enters lockdown, and the re-opening of schools and nurseries is delayed, families across the country face new challenges and stresses, and some children may experience abuse or neglect. CPCScotland is keen to maintain its messaging that it’s vital for everyone to be alert to signs that all is not well for a child or young person and to take action if they’re worried about a child’s wellbeing during this phase of the pandemic. The role of the community to use their ears and eyes to help keep children safe from harm is particularly important when most children are not in the usual routine of school or nursery. As such, CPC Scotland is continuing to repeat our core message that it’s always better to say something than do nothing. It’s everyone’s responsibility to keep children safe from harm.
Read more12 January 2021 Online safeguarding: the dark web
The Children’s Society have published a guide to the dark web describing what it is, how young people might use it and what to do if you have safety concerns. https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/information/professionals/resources/what-is-the-dark-web
Read more8 January 2021 Who Cares Scotland? Helpline
Who Cares? Scotland Helpline is open to all Care Experienced people across Scotland, of any age – whether currently in care or having left care. The helpline (0330 107 7540) is open Monday to Friday from 12-4pm, and people can also email Who Care Scotland? on help@whocaresscotland.org. We are led by the needs of our callers and can provide the following: • Connection with Who Cares? Scotland • Support and signposting around finances, benefits, housing, health, employment, education, and rights • Lifelong advocacy • A listening ear • Referral route into local advocacy if the caller is a young person. Sian Wild is the local advocacy and participation worker for Who Cares? Scotland a national organisation which provides advocacy and participation activities to looked after children and care experienced young people.
Read more16 December 2020 Online Resources for Parents, Carers and Children and Young People
This year, many of us will be relying on tech over the festive period for entertainment and, most importantly, to keep in touch with friends and family. Here are a few resources that you can share with parents, carers and children and young people to help them have a safer online experience over the winter break.
Read more25 November 2020 Updated Parental Controls on TikTok
The BBC reports that TikTok is expanding its parental control feature Family Pairing making it easier for parents to safeguard their children on its video-sharing platform. New features include the ability to change the youngster's settings remotely to block them from carrying out searches, and to prevent strangers from seeing their posts. Children can still override these limitations but not without their parents being told. Read the news story: TikTok adds tougher parental controls
Read more17 November 2020 Young volunteers invite folk to join #WisToo Walk against gender-based violence
Volunteers with BEE (Bold, Equal & Empowered), Shetland Rape Crisis’ young activists’ group, are inviting folk to join them in a socially-distanced walk and social media takeover under the hashtag #WisToo on Saturday 5th December at Clickimin Loch between 10am-1pm, as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The 16 Days are an international campaign that runs from 25 Nov, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 Dec, Human Rights Day. It also includes International Men’s Day (19 Nov), Trans Day of Remembrance, and World Children’s Day (both 20 Nov). The group, supported by Shetland Rape Crisis, has organised an outdoor exhibition highlighting facts relating to the 16 days and gender-based violence, and this exhibition will be on display at the walk route from this week until 10th December. The exhibition boards were designed and printed by sponsors Lou Jackson Design and Artmachine.
Read more13 November 2020 Guidance for Parents - Sharing videos and images
Net Aware, produced by the NSPCC and O2, has released content to help parents and carers who may be worried about their child sharing videos and images online.
Read more13 November 2020 Child Trafficking
Childline has published a webpage with information for children and young people about child trafficking and exploitation. The page discusses what child trafficking and exploitation is, where children and young people can get support and what to do if they are worried about someone else.
Read more28 October 2020 Scots law changes to protect children
From next week, all forms of physical punishment of children will be against the law in Scotland, including hitting, smacking, spanking and slapping. Under current laws, parents may be prosecuted with assault if they physically punish or discipline their child, but may be able to use the defence of ‘reasonable chastisement’, depending on the circumstances.
Read more12 October 2020 Community Reassurance Message
Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and protecting all our communities. We understand that daily life adhering to coronavirus (COVID-19 guidelines continues to be challenging for everyone. Although Scottish Government guidance has provided flexibility for the individual needs of disabled people, we recognise this has not prevented some people becoming fearful of going out into their communities. We are aware some disabled people have reported being unfairly challenged and, on occasion, abused about issues linked to social distancing and face coverings. Our partners have shared concerns that some disabled people can find physical distancing difficult - this could be linked to sight loss, autism, a physical disability or other issues. People have reported being shouted at, made to feel uncomfortable or fearful. We have also received reports of people who are exempt from wearing face coverings being inappropriately challenged in shops or on public transport. This includes people who have invisible or hidden disabilities, like asthma or autism.
Read more9 October 2020 Young Scot - That's Not OK resource for young people
New resource for young people with information and support about different forms of gender-based violence, healthy relationships and consent.
Read more21 September 2020 BACK TO SCHOOL - a digital child protection campaign
As pandemic restrictions continue to affect all children and families across the country, a new Scotland-wide multi-agency digital child protection campaign launches on Thursday 17 September at 1000. This digital campaign has been developed by Child Protection Committees Scotland in conjunction with Barnardo’s Scotland, NSPPC Scotland and Police Scotland. As Scotland’s children settle back into the school routine and slowly begin to return to clubs and out-of-school activities, the month-long campaign aims to raise awareness that while lockdown and the pandemic has been hard going for many families and children, it’s been a lot more challenging for some families than others. Families who were struggling to cope before the pandemic may have been pushed to crisis point during lockdown, and even the most settled families will have faced new challenges during this time.
Read more8 September 2020 Warning re. TIKTOK
Shetland Youth & Employability Services have alerted the Shetland Public Protection Committee to distressing images of suicide shared through TIKTOK. Please alert colleagues and please be aware that people may be very distressed by this. Users report that the distressing footage is being placed inside of other, seemingly unrelated videos, so that it may appear without warning in users’ feeds. This may particularly impact on young people and parents may want to support their children to suspend their use of TIKTOK over the coming days.
Read more2 September 2020 Support to report gender-based violence and abuse on Shetland
Police Scotland and partners are calling on local communities to come together and help put an end to gender-based violence in Shetland. Shetland Rape Crisis’ Facebook page recently featured a post from Rhea, detailing accounts of sexual assaults and abuse reported to her via anonymous app by other young people in Shetland. The stories came from young people of all genders across the Isles, but the vast majority of stories received detailed incidents against young women and girls. Now Police Scotland, working with its partners Shetland Rape Crisis and Shetland Women’s Aid, is asking people to be vigilant, to report offenders and to help prevent gender-based violence.
Read more10 August 2020 Police Scotland - Message to Communities
Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and protecting all our communities. We understand that daily life adhering to coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines continues to be challenging for everyone. Although Scottish Government guidance has provided flexibility for the individual needs of disabled people, we recognise this has not prevented some people becoming fearful of going out into their communities. We are aware some disabled people have reported being unfairly challenged and, on occasion, abused about issues linked to social distancing and face coverings.
Read more20 July 2020 There's a viral scare. What should I do?
Reports of online scares or challenges encouraging harmful or suicidal behaviours can be alarming and confusing. Follow the link to find out how you can speak to your child about scares and challenges, and how to respond if they have seen one.
Read more26 June 2020 The Scottish Child Law Centre is very pleased to introduce their new website
19 June 2020 Refund, Furlough, Grant Fraud
Scams centred on exploiting coronavirus have become prevalent in recent months. Everything from Government grants, furlough payments, requests for refund of overpayments to mortgage holidays are being targeted by scammers utilising more sophisticated methods.
Read more10 June 2020 Non-Consensual Sharing of Intimate Images
Sharing, or threatening to share, intimate images without consent is a crime that can come with a five year prison sentence.
Read more2 June 2020 Latest Scam Bulletin
Please find below the latest scam bulletin. Click to read on.
Read more12 May 2020 Child Protection Scotland website launched
New website launched
Read more12 May 2020 Scam Share Bulletin - Suspicious Email Reporting Service - a Shetland approach
For up to date information on scams visit SIC Trading Standards facebook page.
Read more8 May 2020 Procurement Fraud Advice
Issued from Police Scotland - The ability to detect a fictitious company and business transaction in a period of high demand becomes more challenging, particularly where businesses are operating with a skeleton or remote workforce. Many businesses are establishing new supply chains for products, particularly personal protective equipment (PPE) and buying from companies they have not dealt with before. This provides fraudsters an opportunity to exploit the situation: high demand for and the urgency with which companies want to procure goods. Those conducting this type of fraud will often target individuals/companies, knowing that they are facing these challenges.
Read more8 May 2020 Some of the latest Scams
Please read on to see some of the latest scams.
Read more6 May 2020 Managing mental health and wellbeing: advice for families from CEOPs
Two new Parent Info articles explore how parents and carers can support their child's mental health, and highlight things they can do to manage the wellbeing challenges of family life under lockdown.
Read more1 May 2020 Scambusters Shetland Lockdown Bulletin
Read on for the latest scams
Read more28 April 2020 New Online Training
Its Everyone’s job to keep children , young people and adults safe from harm and abuse. Here is a link to a basic protection training course that is recommended for everyone, but especially for colleagues working in the voluntary sector or with sports and activity groups. The course will help you to recognise abuse, know what to do and where to get help and advice if you need it. You can print out a certificate for doing the course.
Read more24 April 2020 Which? launches new scam alert service as coronavirus creates ‘perfect storm’ for fraud
Which? is launching a free scam alert service to warn consumers about the latest fraud attempts and give advice about how they can protect themselves, as criminals exploit the coronavirus outbreak to unleash a new range of scams. With more than £1.2 billion lost to scammers in 2019, fraud has become one of the most prevalent crimes in the UK, which often results in devastating consequences for victims. In recent weeks, scammers have rushed to exploit the widespread fear and confusion caused by the pandemic.
Read more22 April 2020 Health & Social Care staff to support women at risk of gender based violence
Launched today is a new resource for Health & Social Care staff to support women at risk of gender based violence. The stay at home messaging which is a large part of our fight against COVID 19 will pose a challenge in particular for women at risk of gender based violence (GBV) including domestic abuse. 1 in 4 women may experience domestic abuse & this may increase during COVID pandemic.
Read more22 April 2020 Internet Watch Foundation Warning
The Internet Watch Foundation warns that, with schools being forced to shut, there is an increased risk of children being groomed and coerced online.
Read more17 April 2020 NSPCC and Netaware - Online Safety Tips
Over the coming weeks, children will be spending more time online to play, create, learn and connect. So it’s important to know how to keep them safe. That’s why Net Aware is here, to provide you with simple, practical advice.
Read more15 April 2020 Support services available for domestic abuse
Shetland Domestic Abuse Partnership, Shetland Rape Crisis and Shetland Women’s Aid would like to alert members of the community to the increased risk of domestic abuse and sexual violence during the current coronavirus pandemic.
Read more14 April 2020 Trading Standards statement about scam ‘medical machines’
Trading Standards are aware of a variety of scams associated with the coronavirus pandemic – it is important that everyone continues to remain vigilant and alert for any and all attempts by criminals to use the current circumstances as an opportunity to make money out of people’s difficulties and concerns. Locally, they are aware of an ongoing scam within Shetland which includes the promotion of ‘medical machines’ with claims that these can detect and/or cure various illnesses including coronavirus. “We are working on this in conjunction with other enforcement partners,” says David Marsh, Shetland Islands Council’s Trading Standards Team Leader, “and have received valuable assistance from people across the wider Shetland community.”
Read more31 March 2020 Shetland Women's Aid
Our office is closed due to COVID-19 but can still be contacted and staff are continuing to provide support and advice:-
Read more31 March 2020 Safeguarding Adults At Risk Posters
Please feel free to download these posters and circulate.
Read more30 March 2020 Public urged to keep eyes and ears open during coronavirus pandemic
With the closure of schools, nurseries and other services during the current coronavirus pandemic, Child Protection Committees Scotland is urging everyone to keep their eyes and ears open for children and vulnerable adults who may be at risk during this time.
Read more24 March 2020 Home working and coronavirus scam emails
As more businesses encourage their staff to start working from home the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has launched new guidance to help prepare your workforce. Home working brings its own cybersecurity challenges that organisations must manage including possibly setting up new accounts, using new video teleconferencing facilities and document sharing.
Read more9 March 2020 New Disability Hate Crime campaign
A new Disability Hate Crime campaign has been launched this week to encourage both victims and bystanders to report hate crime to the police. One in five people in Scotland are registered as having a disability, yet this category of hate crime accounts for only four per cent of reports to Police Scotland, and there is strong evidence to suggest this type of offence is significantly under reported. This campaign has been designed to encourage people to come forward, to speak up and refuse to tolerate this kind of behaviour.
Read more30 January 2020 The Upstream Project - New Online Resource - Protecting The Next Child
The Upstream Project was set up to enable adults and communities in Scotland prevent child sexual abuse. We believe that preventing child sexual abuse is all our responsibility and this depends on changing the thinking and behaviour of adults. It aims to be the "one stop" resource for anyone who wants to know more about the prevention of child sexual abuse and how they can contribute and help. The Upstream web resource was launched the 4th December 2019 at Norton Park Conference Centre in Edinburgh and was launched by Maree Todd, MSP, Minister for Children & Young People. For contact details and site read on.
Read more