News / Police investigate underage “sexting”
POLICE in Shetland are investigating a number of cases where pupils under the age of 16 have used mobile phones and social network sites such as Facebook to circulate indecent images and sexualised text messages, known as ‘sexting’.
Parents and carers of secondary pupils throughout the isles have now been notified of the ongoing investigation and also been given advice of how to ensure that their kids use the internet safely.
Police said they wanted to remind all young people and parents that such behaviour was criminal and would be fully investigated.
Inspector Eddie Graham said: “We work with our partners to raise awareness and to remind parents and carers that they have a duty of care, as these things can easily go viral and be passed on from mobile to mobile and from computer to computer.”
Police said that offences have been committed under the Sexual Offences Act 2009 and the Communications Act 2003.
“This could result in the seizure of any equipment, including mobile phones, hand held devices and computers. Seizure of equipment will take place regardless of who owns the equipment,” a letter to all parents of secondary pupils said.
A similar letter will go out to parents and carers of primary pupils shortly.
Matthew Moss, of Shetland Islands Council’s school services, said their main concern was to ensure that youngsters used the internet in a safe manner.
“It is our job to keep our young people safe within school and outside school while at the same time equipping them for the future,” he said.
As such the Shetland Child Protection Committee has just formed an internet safety sub-committee to provide training and keep up to speed with the ever changing world of online communication.
Mr Moss added that the most up to date information on internet safety was available from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre’s (CEOP) website at www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Alternatively, anyone who needs help or advice can contact the local police on 01595 69 2110.
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