RENFREWSHIRE SOUTH PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO BE REMOVED FROM STRANGER SNAPCHAT SEARCH FOLLOWING SNP MSP PRESSURE
SNP MSP Tom Arthur has joined the campaign to boost internet safety for young people – after pressure from SNP MSPs Kevin Stewart and Gillian Martin led to Snapchat removing primary schools from their search function.
Marking Safer Internet Day, local MSP Tom Arthur backed this action and called on Snapchat to go further and also remove secondary schools from its search tool – which allows strangers to find and watch videos from these locations.
And Tom Arthur is also encouraging pupils in Renfrewshire South to take part in a nationwide film competition that aims to raise awareness of the dangers related to sending nude photos online.
SNP MSP for Renfrewshire South, Tom Arthur said:
“I appreciate the efforts made by my SNP MSP colleagues Gillian Martin and Kevin Stewart that have made Snapchat safer for children all over Renfrewshire South and Scotland – and I hope that Snapchat go even further and remove secondary schools as well.
“Parents should speak with their children to make sure they know how to stay safe online and understand the risks of posting certain information – and I am glad to be involved in the campaign to raise awareness of this serious issue.
“The upcoming nationwide film competition is a great initiative that gives children across Renfrewshire South the opportunity to engage with these dangers in a creative manner.
“And Tuesday’s Parliamentary debate brings this issue to the forefront and highlights the increasing risks when sharing personal information online.
“We must all do what we can to help protect our children when it comes to their online activity.”