A PROGRAMME designed to prevent young people from being at risk to the likes of cyber bullying has been launched.

The new online safety training scheme called Be Smart aims to tackle issues young people may come across while online including exposure to sexual content and issues with their online profile.

Launched by Police Scotland along with 90 high school pupils from the East Renfrewshire area the programme aims to create a team of young people who would be able to give advice to those experiencing problems online.

Deputy Chief Constable Johnny Gwynne said: “The internet is a fantastic resource and has many excellent uses for people of all ages. However, it also provides those who seek to exploit others with opportunities to target victims and inflict misery on innocent people.

“With cybercrime developing as an increasing threat to communities, programmes like Be Smart are crucial to educate children and young people, from a young age, that they must take steps to keep themselves as safe in the online virtual world as they would in the real world.

“The benefits of peer mentoring are clear – children and young people respond well to their equals who can deliver information in a relatable and easy to understand manner, making it more likely they will pay attention and take the advice seriously.”

The Scottish Government initiative was designed by cyber security firm Trend Micro and is part of their Choices for Life Programme.

With training given to school pupils, these young people will then be able to teach groups about the risks of several issues which pose a risk to them.

Using three videos, which feature Police Scotland Youth Volunteers, the sessions focus on prevention messaging to help safeguard young people and explaining how online safety needs to be integrated into all our everyday digital activity.

Mark McDonald, the Scottish minster for childcare and early years said: “We want all of our children and young people to benefit from the great opportunities the internet has to offer in a safe and secure environment.

“The Choices for Life Be Smart programme is an excellent way to encourage young people to think carefully about the way they behave online to ensure they get the most out of what the internet has to offer but, most importantly, to ensure they remain safe and supported at all times.

“By making sure young people know where to access information about staying safe online and providing a peer network to discuss any issues they may face we can create a positive online presence for all.”