Response to latest Recorded Crime in Scotland statistics

Responding to the Scottish Government’s latest Recorded Crime in Scotland statistics, which included indecent photos of children increasing by 24 percent compared to the previous year, Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity said:

“Behind every one of these images is a child whose childhood will have been lost to sexual abuse, violence and exploitation. These shocking figures must be the wake-up call that Scotland needs. We are facing a national childhood emergency, our children are at risk of harm online, on an unprecedented scale.

"The Scottish Government must act now by uniting a coalition of children’s services, education, child protection, health, justice, the third sector and the tech companies that will fight to protect children and preserve childhood in this digital age. Children can’t wait.

“Any parent worried about their child is being harmed online can contact our expert support line team for free via webchat at www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline or on 08000 28 22 33.”