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Welcome Young People
The portal is a dedicated space for young people to find out more about sectarianism. The portal has interactive information that we hope will inspire you to take action on sectarianism. Within this portal you will find information which will build your knowledge and confidence to explore what sectarianism means, to you and to others. You can watch videos, listen to radio programmes and music or complete quizzes and other activities that ask you to consider your views; who it affects and find out where it came from.
Sectarianism provokes a range of reactions from silence, a subject to be ignored, to more extreme reactions, that have implications for your safety, so we have activities that will enable you to consider what is offensive behaviour and language. We also provide information on the law.
Many of the digital activities have on offline alternative that you can download to assist you introduce the topic to others or complete a project at a youth group, school or college.
We want to hear from you! Your experiences, your voice and your opinions. To do this you will need to sign up by using the link above.
We believe that young people can lead positive change in our communities and society. If you are inspired to take action on sectarianism and want to connect with others to share your views, ideas and action opportunities form across please register with the AOS network. This is a login in portal that requires you to register.
What is Sectarianism on Social Media Websites?
What is Sectarianism on Social Media Websites?
Chances are that you’re a regular user of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter – as most people are these days. These sites are a great way to keep in touch with friends, talk about your interests, keep up with sports news, share pictures and see what others are up to. However, there are risks and people have found themselves in serious trouble for posting offensive or sectarian content online - in some circumstances even receiving jail sentences.
Really? What is likely to get you in trouble?
An online post that targets a group or individual because of their:
- religion
- sexual orientation
- nationality
- ethnicity
- disability
You are especially likely to get into trouble if you send a message that includes a threat of violence.
Showing support for terrorist or para-military groups who have committed acts of terrorism can also lead to serious legal action.
If you retweet, or share an offensive or sectarian Facebook status, that’s as serious as you saying it yourself.
Depending on what you post, how often, and other factors, you could receive a fine, anything up to a five year jail sentence and of course a criminal record. You have to disclose this to potential employers and it could prevent you from getting certain jobs.
Yeah, but I’m under 16 – nothing can happen to me… can it?
Yes, the law is the same for everyone.
If you are under 16 you can still get in serious trouble. You can be prosecuted, end up in front of a childrens panel and have social work involved with you and your family. All this plus a criminal record.
"But, it’s just the internet! What I say on it doesn’t matter, and besides, I’m just having a laugh with my mates!"
This isn’t the case – what you put on social media sites does matter and has real consequences. When it comes to sectarianism, if you wouldn’t say it out loud to a group of strangers, don’t post it online.
You might consider what you have written is a bit of a laugh, general banter or a political statement – but the police, and a judge, may not agree.
Even if you use privacy settings, you can never be sure how many people see what you’ve posted online.
Ok, so who else can see what I’ve posted!?
So, there’s your family and friends – you know that already. But, employers and potential employers often check people’s social media pages.
If people share or retweet your post, then more and more people are likely to see it.
They could report you to the police – all they need to do is take a ‘screen-grab’ and contact the police.
How are people caught? And what happens to them?
You might think the police are ‘watching’ the internet all the time and that’s how people are caught.
However, that’s not usually the case – most people are caught as a result of a tip off from a member of the public – similar to any other committed crime.
And, it could be someone you have never met before or someone living in another town miles away.
The police will investigate reports and can easily locate the offender, who can then be charged under a range of legislation:
Section 6 - http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2012/1/section/6
Section 38 - http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2010/13/section/38?view=extent
Section 127 - http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/21/section/127?view=extent
If you’re interested!
Plus, during an investigation, it’s likely that everything you and your family own that can connect to the interent will be confiscated by the police. Yes, that even includes your mobile phone and Xbox...
What to do if you see sectarian material online
If you see something you consider to be sectarian or threatening, you can take a screen grab:
Laptop/Desktop PC:
- Bring up the page with the offensive message
- Ensure that you can clearly see who, where and when the message posted
- Hold Ctrl and press Print Screen
- Open a new file in word processing software
- Hold Shift and press Insert
- Save the document with a relevant file name by clicking Save As under the File heading
Smartphone/tablet:
Most smartphones/tablets have a ‘screenshot’ facility built-in. In order to do this:
- Bring up the page with the offensive message
- Ensure that you can clearly see who, where and when the message posted
- Hold in the power on/off button (normally found at the top of the phone/tablet)
- Select the ‘Take Screenshot’ option
- This will save to your smartphone/tablet photo gallery
- Once your screenshot has been saved, you can contact the police by calling 101 or visiting http://www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/
What to do if you are concerned about someone you know posting sectarian material on social media sites.
If you are concerned about someone you know posting sectarian and offensive material on social media sites you should speak to a responsible adult or contact your ‘campus cop’ or youth worker.
Campaign by Community Links
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Where do you want to go?
The Facts
Interactive
Zone
Guidance
Hubs
Get Involved
Get support for sectarianism
Do something in your community
Have resources to upload?
What is sectarianism?
Sectarianism means something different to each community and the people that live there. In some communities it may look different than elsewhere.
Experienced sectarianism yourself?
When you are attacked or insulted because you may be or perceived to be of a religion or belief, it is a crime. Whether the crime is reported to the police or not, you might feel upset, frightened or confused by what has happened. It’s normal to feel like that.
Victim Support Scotland can help you to talk about how you’re feeling and explain what happens if the police and courts are involved in investigating the crime against you. If you do need to go to court to tell your story, we can even help you in court.
If you would like to talk to someone, phone 0845 693 9123 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We can chat on the phone or come to see you at your house or school; whatever you like. Our services are free of charge and are confidential. That means that we won’t make you tell anyone you don’t want to about what has happened, and we won’t tell anyone either unless we have real concerns for your safety.
History and Timeline
In Scotland, the roots of sectarianism can be found in many of the historical events which shaped the country we know today.
Pitch Perfect at Glasgow Kelvin College
Pitch Perfect is an exciting marketing competition run by Nil By Mouth, which gives further and higher education students the opportunity to create and design their very own anti-sectarian awareness campaign, image or product.
Who does it affect?
Sectarianism can affect anyone and everyone. 88% of people in Scotland believe that sectarianism is a problem in Scotland and 14% of those asked said
Tolerance TV
Tolerance TV is an online channel showing video articles and films promoting Tolerance across Scotland.
Why does it happen?
Everyone is influenced by different people in their lives, by history and different situations.
What does the law say?
What do you think the law says about sectarianism in Scotland? In this section you can find out.
Nae Excuse for Sectarian Abuse
Click the link below to see the Nae Excuse for Sectarian Abuse Page!
Who is tackling it?
There has been a lot of work taking place across Scotland to tackle sectarianism.
Social Media and Sectarianism Polls
Online Identity
Digital Footprint
Sectarianism
Legal Implications
Are you a victim?
Hubs
This is an area where we include specific information on different topics relating to sectarianism!
What's Occurring
Latest information and events specifically for Young People.
Young People Campaigns
The Facts
Learn more about the problems and we face and how we can work together to help tackle sectarianism
Information
Find out more about Sectarianism in Scotland. We tell you the facts to help you make your informed decisions.
Interactive Zone
Welcome to the interactive zone. We have included a variety of interesting things to do from watching videos, interactive movies and polls and questionnaires. Go on what are you waiting for!
Guidance
Sometimes you may need help dealing with sectarianism at work or at home. It could be you affected by it, a friend or a member of your family. In this section we can tell you where you can get help and advice.
Please add the info@actiononsectarianism.info to your address book. This will avoid the AoS Newsletter going into your junk mail!
