Child Protection Scot Cop released a report in which it urged parents and caretakers to proactively take steps forward to ensure children are safe online. 

The risk of kids falling victim remains “a high threat” — as paedophiles are using social media platforms and chatroom apps to share sickening images. The details of the issue emerged in the Scottish Multi-Agency Strategic Threat Assessment (SMASTA), which was published yesterday. 

In the report, the researchers explained the developing situations because of the growing presence of worldwide links. Additionally, it also talks about the scale of the underworld menace and the growing threat posed by major gangs with worldwide links. “Snapchat is the social media platform used in the majority of crimes,” the report reads. 

The report also highlighted the other areas where people are at risk including fishing and seafood firms, and labor exploitation in farming. As we know the presence of social media has significantly increased in children's and young people's lives, also because of the pandemic children started spending more time online than usual. 

Digital devices such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and computers are valuable tools for education and for entertainment purposes. Nevertheless, this increases the higher risk of exploitation and abuse according to Child Protection Scotland making it more important than ever to protect children and youth from internet-savvy online abusers. 

“Everyone has a role to play in child protection, not just core professionals. There were more than 2,700 children on the child protection register in July 2016. Child protection is part of Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) – our national approach to improving outcomes and supporting the wellbeing of children and young people”, the blog post of the scot government explained. 

As per the Scots cops, they are currently investigating almost 100 organized crime groups (OCGs) made up of more than 1,800 hoods, including teenagers women, and OAPs. They make cash from drug dealing, illegal immigration, human trafficking, fraud, money laundering, and cybercrimes.