Shetland Public Protection Committee are supporting Safer Internet Day 2026. This year we are focusing on:
“Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of Ai”.
Free resources and information provided by the UK Safer Internet Centre focus on:- Sextortion, Screen Time, Reporting, Mis-information, Live Streaming, Cyberflashing, Online Challenges, Parental Controls, Coerced Online Sexual Abuse and more
Locally,
- Virtually Safe, Virtually Sound workshops continue to be held on a rolling programme in High Schools and Junior High Schools in Shetland throughout 2026
- SPPC’s Ai debating tool has been developed and piloted in Cunningsburgh and Whiteness schools and will be rolled out to all Primary Schools in Shetland
- OPEN are delivering awareness raising workshops in Junior/High Schools across Shetland in January and February the focus is on: Online safety with S1 pupils and Grooming workshops with S3 pupils. In 2024-25 OPEN delivered:12 Online Safety workshops with 240 - S1 pupils and 15 Grooming workshops with 252 - S3 pupils. OPEN’s website too please - OPEN | OPEN
- SIC Trading Standards team is always ready and willing to provide advice and support for anyone in Shetland who is concerned about a possible or actual online scam – contactable on 01595 744887 [email protected] or in person at 8 North Ness in Lerwick. www.facebook.com/ShetlandTradingStandards for the latest information
- Adult Learning will be providing Digital Drop-ins across Shetland, 2hr sessions, in Scalloway, Brae, Walls, Lerwick and other venues on request. Weekly Lunchtime Learning on Mondays 12.00 – 2.00 at Shetland Library
Bite Size Courses over 1.5 hours each (two per term) the last subjects where Basic Word Processing and Alternative Software, Internet Safety, Software Updates and System Maintenance, Email and Attachments and Managing Files & Saving Documents.
Using Digital Assistants and AI for staff and service users at Community Connections.
There is also 1-2-1 support for learners who needs support with their digital skills.
Contact us: Tel. 01595 743888, Email. [email protected], website. www.learnshetland.com, Facebook. @shetland community hub Shetland Womens Aid: Online Misogyny & Young People - Join Shetland Women's Aid on Safer Internet Day 2026 as we take a closer look at the online "manosphere" and how it can impact children and young people in Scotland.
You will receive an introduction to the incel movement and related online subcultures, situating these within the wider landscape of misogyny perpetrated both digitally and in person. We will look at the key figures, influencers, and platforms promote harmful gendered attitudes, and explore how these ideas can move from online spaces into real-world beliefs and behaviours.
To book on - Afternoon booking link: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/0f8b5703-00e4-4859-af60-36575f8be4bc@f2001ac1-baa1-4f8a-a80e-ec6f62d4c37b
Evening booking link: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a0e0790d-f683-4c26-9ed5-d35864ffdd10@f2001ac1-baa1-4f8a-a80e-ec6f62d4c37b- ‘Click Shetland’ sessions available at Shetland Library - https://www.shetland.gov.uk/libraries/learning-shetland-library/1
- The Compass Centre offers support to anyone 13+ who's been affected by any form of sexual violence. If you've been affected by photos being shared without consent, grooming, harassment, altering digital images or any form of online sexual violence, contact us via [email protected] or visit www.compasscentre.org
- Look out for internet safety messages from OPEN, Shetland Library, Compass Centre, UHI, Youth Services and Adult Learning and resources sent to primary and secondary schools in Shetland.
If you have any questions or are interested in arranging an internet safety session, please contact Business Support at Shetland Public protection Committee on 01595 744411