Following the Aberdeen Law Project’s talk on digital crime at the Scottish Guidance Association Annual Conference on 18 September, we caught up with the team to discuss key points addressed during the event.
Why is talking about digital crime so important?
Ben Rae, project lead, said: “Being unaware of the law makes it difficult for people to recognise when a crime has been committed against them or when they may be committing a crime themselves.
“This lack of awareness of digital crime has resulted in these crimes almost being normalised and not necessarily being seen as illegal. Taken as an example, the risks associated with taking, possessing and sharing sexual images remain widely unknown with many young people being unaware of the consequences that follow from showing sexual images or other materials to their friends. In reality – regardless of whether a young person has consented or is doing it themselves – taking, possessing or sharing sexual images of any person under the age of 18 is a crime.”
‘’Knowing the consequences and understanding the motivation.’’
Symone Strath, team member, said: “While the risks and consequences of digital crimes such as taking sexual images are important, it is also important to consider what may motivate a young person to commit a digital crime, whether knowingly or unknowingly, such as sending a sexual image or ‘sexting’. Studies show that more than a third of young people have sent sexual images of themselves which may lead young people feeling they need to do it as well as everyone seems to be doing it. Raising awareness on digital crimes helps deconstruct this assumption. In fact, it helps young people realise their peers should have not engaged in such activities in the first place.”
‘’Anyone can become a victim or unknowing perpetrator.’’
Dalip Singh, team member, said: “An important aspect of talking to young people about digital crime is emphasising how easy it can be to become involved without realising it. The number of online child sexual abuse offences is c. 34% higher than the five-year average, with 1,522 reports of online child sexual abuse and exploitation recorded between April and December 2020. Some perpetrators of those crimes were as young as 14 years old.
“Also, highlighting that ordinary people and public figures have experienced digital crime can help young people understand that anyone can become a victim of digital crimes regardless of their profile or sensibilities, and appropriate precautions are needed to be taken.”
‘’Highlighting why these laws exist in the first place.’’
Eva Jessen and Rijul Shah, team members, said: “Many young people believe that the laws surrounding digital crime are as punitive as they are protective. It is therefore important to let them know them why laws on digital crime exist in the first place. The impact of digital crime on victims can be devastating, with some victims suffering from depression or ultimately committing suicide. It is key to stress such laws exist to protect children from harm.’’
If you are interested in our workshops on digital crime, please get in touch:
general@abdnlawproject.com
ALP is grateful for continuing financial support from the University of Aberdeen Development Trust.
