Push onsafer internet forkids

Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford has joined a campaign to boost internet safety for young people.

It follows pressure from fellow MSPs Kevin Stewart and Gillian Martin which led Snapchat to remove primary schools from their search function.

Marking Safer Internet Day, Bruce Crawford backed the action and called on Snapchat to go further and remove secondary schools from its search tool – which allows strangers to find and watch videos from these locations.

Mr Crawford is also encouraging pupils in the Stirling area to take part in a nationwide film competition that aims to raise awareness of the dangers related to sending nude photos online.

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

“I would encourage parents and guardians to speak with their children to make sure they know how to stay safe online and understand the risks of posting certain information – and I am glad to be involved in the campaign to raise awareness of this serious issue.

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

“We must all do what we can to help protect our children when it comes to their online activity.”