Sextortion campaign by the Scottish Government, Police Scotland and Fearless supporting youngsters

A new campaign has been launched to protect young people in Lanarkshire from the growing threat of sextortion. The campaign, supported by the Scottish Government, Police Scotland, and Fearless, aims to raise awareness about sextortion, a form of online blackmail where criminals threaten to share intimate photos of their victims if their demands are not met.

Sextortion has become a concerning issue, with a significant rise in cases reported globally. The campaign targets youths aged 13-21 living in Lanarkshire, using platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram to reach out to young people. It emphasizes that anyone can be a victim of sextortion and encourages them to seek help if they find themselves in such a situation.

The Fearless initiative is vital in addressing this new form of online blackmail that can have devastating effects on victims. The campaign aims to educate young people about sextortion, assure them that they are not to blame, and provide them with the support they need to cope with such traumatic experiences. It also highlights the importance of reporting such incidents to the police or trusted adults.

The campaign has been developed in collaboration with youth groups to ensure it resonates with young people and effectively raises awareness about sextortion. The goal is to empower young people to speak up and seek help if they are targeted by criminals engaging in sextortion. By working together, the Scottish Government, Police Scotland, and Fearless hope to combat this harmful practice and protect vulnerable youngsters in Lanarkshire.

In summary, the collaborative effort by the Scottish Government, Police Scotland, and Fearless to launch a campaign against sextortion in Lanarkshire is a crucial step in combating this growing threat. By raising awareness, providing support, and empowering young people to seek help, the initiative aims to protect youths from falling victim to online blackmail and ensure their safety and well-being. It is essential for the community to come together to address such issues and safeguard the young generation from digital threats.