Video: Online predators targeted by Police Scotland

Set to run initially for a four-week period on platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and YouTube, the timing is not coincidental.

With lockdown in place across Scotland, people are now at home for longer periods of time, prompting more internet use and increasing the opportunity for predators to target children online.

The campaign, #GetHelpOrGetCaught, proactively targets men who are either already offending or at risk of offending.

It features a film which challenges their behaviour.

And it poses one simple question: if you wouldn’t do it in the real world, why groom and abuse children online?

Duncan Sloan, assistant chief constable and lead for major crime and public protection at Police Scotland, said: “We are now living through a period of heightened risk, as people follow guidance and practice social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“We are acutely aware that people are at home, with more time to access the internet. The potential risk of online child abuse is, therefore, extremely high.

“This makes our current campaign even more relevant. Protecting children from abuse online is one of our top priorities.

“Online child sexual abuse is not virtual; its repercussions are real.

“Grooming, indecent communication and causing children to participate in sexual activity, are all serious criminal offences.

“Offenders will be identified and arrested and they will face the consequences of their actions: not just a conviction but the potential loss of their family, reputation and work or livelihood.

“Abusers are responsible for their actions; it is up to them to take action and stop, to get help or get caught.”

Police Scotland consulted with partners on the campaign including Stop It Now! Scotland.

The child protection charity also works with people across Scotland who are at risk of offending.

Director Stuart Allardyce said: “Actions that would not be acceptable in real life are not acceptable online either. There are no grey areas.

“Whether it is sending sexualised messages or images to young people, trying to get them to send images to you, or trying to meet up for sexual purposes – all of these things are illegal and wrong.

“Stop It Now! Scotland provides help to people who are worried about their sexual thoughts, feelings or behaviours towards children.

“We work with men who have committed online offences and many of them tell us that they knew what they were doing was wrong – but that they didn’t know how to stop.

“If you are already talking to children or young people online, asking for images or seeking to meet them, or are feeling the urge to do so, please reach out to us for confidential help.

“It is not only victims of the crime that suffer. Families of groomers are often devastated by the actions of their loved ones and this can have a life changing impact.

“We know that calling our helpline on 0808 1000 900 can be difficult given the current COVID-19 restrictions but confidential and anonymous help is still only a phone call away.”

Internet grooming and online child sexual abuse is a major threat across the UK. Offences continue to rise with 1694 recorded in Scotland between April 2019 and February 2020, compared to 1573 in 2018/19.

So the Police Scotland campaign has also been welcomed by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

Matt Forde, head of service for NSPCC Scotland, said: “Each year hundreds of crimes of online child sexual abuse are recorded by police in Scotland.

“We are deeply concerned offenders are exploiting the current conditions.

“Police Scotland has rightly identified tackling these crimes as a priority, through raising awareness and sending a direct and robust message to offenders.

“However, law enforcement can in no way win this fight alone – tech firms must urgently make protecting children a task of utmost importance.

“It is also important for parents to have regular conversations with their children about their online activities.”

Confidential helpline for those at risk of offending

Stop It Now! Scotland is the strategic partner for Police Scotland’s national campaign #GetHelpOrGetCaught which aims to target people who groom children online.

The campaign aims to tackle the online sexual abuse of children whether that is having sexualised conversations, encouraging children to send sexualised photos of themselves, or encouraging them to meet for sexual reasons.

Stop it Now! Scotland is a child protection charity which believes the key to preventing sexual abuse is awareness among parents and community members.

It works to build public confidence in recognising and responding to concerns about the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

It also provides support services to individuals and their families with problematic sexual thoughts and those who may be at risk of sexual offending. This includes those who are under investigation for internet offences.

The charity believes that this is a critical part of preventing child sexual abuse.

It also supports friends and family members of individuals who are at risk of sexual offending.

Stop It Now! Scotland’s helpline – 0808 1000 900 – offers a free, confidential and anonymous service where you can talk to someone about your thoughts and behaviours. There is no judgment.

Online support is also available at the charity’s website at www.stopitnow.org.uk.