Written Question · S3W-16617 · Session 3
What measures are proposed or in place to reduce or eliminate the threat posed to children and young people from internet grooming for sexu…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are proposed or in place to reduce or eliminate the threat posed to children and young people from internet grooming for sexual purposes.
The answer
The Protection of Children and Prevention of Sexual Offences Act 2005 counters threats posed to children, whether via the internet or otherwise, by providing for an offence of sexual grooming of a person under 16 by an adult aged 18 or over. The 2005 act also provides for Risk of Sexual Harm Orders which enables the police to impose, prior to any conviction, early restrictions on those persons believed to be a risk to the safety of children and young people.
In addition, the Scottish Government works closely with the Home Office and the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) to develop UK-wide policy to ensure the safe use of the internet for children and young people and their parents.
CEOP''s most recent strategic overview describes changing trends and tactics used by online sex offenders. http://www.ceop.gov.uk/downloads/documents/CEOPStrategicOverview2008.pdf.
These new findings will help refine how the Scottish Government continues to work with our partners to further improve the protection offered to our young people in the online environment. This work will be further strengthened through our participation in the recently established UK Council for Child Internet Safety, whose purpose is to develop and deliver a comprehensive internet safety strategy for children and young people.
In addition, the Scottish Government works closely with the Home Office and the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) to develop UK-wide policy to ensure the safe use of the internet for children and young people and their parents.
CEOP''s most recent strategic overview describes changing trends and tactics used by online sex offenders. http://www.ceop.gov.uk/downloads/documents/CEOPStrategicOverview2008.pdf.
These new findings will help refine how the Scottish Government continues to work with our partners to further improve the protection offered to our young people in the online environment. This work will be further strengthened through our participation in the recently established UK Council for Child Internet Safety, whose purpose is to develop and deliver a comprehensive internet safety strategy for children and young people.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S3W-16617 by reference.