A NEW website is being launched to help young people tackle hate crime and discrimination.

The ‘Action on Prejudice’ site will assist in finding facts, videos, research, learning tools and other resources to fight the issues, as well as promoting diversity and inclusion.

Recent statistics from Police Scotland show there were 900 cases of hate crime involving 11 to 15-year-olds in Scotland in 2016.

Constable Sacha Ponniah said: “The Action on Prejudice portal provides a range of very useful resources for children, young people and adults to help people learn more about prejudiced behaviour and hate crime.

“Police Scotland are working together with partners, including YouthLink Scotland, to tackle prejudice and hate crime in Scotland.

“The portal has information on what to do if you have witnessed or been the victim of hate crime and ways to report.”

The YouthLink Scotland website will be the first of its kind in Scotland to provide resources across all protected characteristics.

This includes prejudice related to race, sexuality, gender identity, disabilities and religion.

While many websites focus on specific areas of concerns, those behind the project claim there is a growing need to provide support for those who are targeted with abuse for multiple reasons.

Nadia Freeman, senior development officer for Action on Prejudice, said:

“What young people really want is to understand what prejudice and discrimination is and to know how they can respond.

“This is why the portal not only shares resources but also provides information about where people can get help, events and relevant groups that young people can become involved in.”

For more information see actiononprejudice.info.