Police Scotland warn sexual predators to get help or get caught ahead of Online Safety Act protections for children
Police Scotland is actively searching for adults in Scotland using social media, apps and websites to view illegal sexual images of children and using technology to contact kids.
The warning comes as Police Scotland’s Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation unit reveals that from April 2024 to July 2025, it has carried out 863 investigations, resulting in 604 arrests, with steps taken to protect 815 children.
Ahead of new laws coming in to force from Friday, 25 July, aimed at keeping children safe online, the service is re-launching its Get Help or Get Caught online child sexual abuse prevention campaign.
The Online Safety Act’s new measures mean that tech companies must take proactive steps to protect children from illegal content and activity, including:
- Child sexual abuse
- Controlling or coercive behaviour
- Extreme pornography
- Intimate image abuse
Detective Superintendent Nicola McGovern said:
“Children are increasingly using games, apps, sites and streaming services and living more of their lives online.
“That means it's never been easier for strangers to connect with children and on some platforms, it can take just 30 seconds for a predatory adult to contact a child.
“Online child sexual abuse and exploitation through technology is an increasing problem in Scotland and officers from our National Child Abuse Investigation Unit work tirelessly to prevent children becoming victims and we will use all means at our disposal to search for and identify offenders.
“Any measures that protect children online should be welcomed and our deterrence campaign work with partners gives us the chance to prevent abuse before it happens, by diverting potential perpetrators from committing offences.”
The Get Help or Get Caught campaign is in partnership with the Lucy Faithfull Foundation Scotland’s Stop It Now service, which offers anonymous advice and support to prevent offending.
The child protection charity has worked with Police Scotland since 2018 to deliver a series of campaigns aimed at those who present the greatest risk of harm to children.
Stuart Allardyce, Director Lucy Faithfull Foundation Scotland said:
“The reasons for viewing sexual images of children or engaging in online grooming are complex, and many people recognise that what they are doing is wrong. Often, they feel trapped in a cycle of compulsive behaviour.
“Seeking individualised, anonymous, and non-judgmental support is absolutely the right step to take.
“We work with hundreds of people who are worried about their sexual thoughts or behaviour online or who have been arrested for offences involving children.
“We can help you stop and move on from offending or potential criminal behaviour, helping to protect and keep children safe.”
The Get Help or Get Caught campaign will be promoted on social media channels from Wednesday, 23 July, for six weeks.
Anonymous and confidential support is available on the Lucy Faithfull Foundation Scotland website.
