NEW digital resources have been created to help young people spot the warning signs of gender-based violence and know how to say “that’s not OK”.
The resources cover everything from sexual harassment, coercion and forced marriage to revenge porn and grooming, and feature information, articles and videos to help young people understand what to watch out for.
Through the “That’s Not OK” website, hosted on young.scot, young people can also access information on how to report an incident and find help and support.
Scotland’s national youth information charity Young Scot has partnered with the Scottish Government, Scottish Women’s Aid and Rape Crisis Scotland on the project.
Louise Macdonald, chief executive of Young Scot, said: “The launch of the That’s Not OK resources will provide young people with access to information on a wide range of sensitive and vitally important topics.
“We have worked closely with young people to develop resources that provide advice on topics such as sexual harassment, revenge porn and grooming.
“Although the project has been developed over many months, the events of recent weeks highlight the importance of these resources.
“Young people in Scotland are extremely concerned about gender-based violence and this project is about helping them access critical advice and support.”
The online resources have been co-created in collaboration with young people from Amina Muslim Women’s Resource Centre and Saheliya – a mental health organisation supporting members of the BAME community.
Recognising that some young people may be concerned about logging onto the site at home, there is an option for them to exit the screen immediately and be redirected to the BBC homepage. The site can be found at young.scot/campaigns/national/thatsnotok.
Sue McKellar from Scotland Women’s Aid said: “Through the launch of That’s Not OK, we want to reassure every young person in Scotland that there is support, advice and help available to them.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here