A leading Scottish children’s charity has paid a visit to school pupils in Shetland.
The NSPCC Schools Service visited a total of nine schools across the island including Bells Brae, Lunnasting and Cunninsburgh to present their Speak Out Stay Safe assemblies.
Pupils from Mossbank, Sandness, Skeld, Urafirth and the Primary Department of Mid Yell Junior High School were also paid a visit by the charity and their mascot Buddy The Speech Bubble, highlighting the importance that young people speak to trusted adults or Childline about issues surrounding abuse, neglect or bullying.
During these assemblies, a series of interactive games and videos was used, giving the children help and tips on discussing and exploring what constitutes harmful behavior.
Alan Stewart, NSPCC Scotland Schools Service Manager, said: “The NSPCC’s Speak Out Stay Safe programme works with primary schools right across the United Kingdom, helping thousands of pupils develop an understanding of abuse in all its forms and of how to get help.
“Our visit to the Shetland Isles demonstrates our charity’s commitment to fighting for every childhood, regardless of geography or distance. We greatly appreciate the support of Shetland Islands Council and look forward to that partnership continuing in the future.”
The initiative has so far reached more than 140,000 pupils in over 900 primary schools across the north.
Last month the programme visited the Western Isles and is due to visit schools in the Orkney Isles over the coming weeks.
Research conducted by the charity has shown an average of at least two children in every primary school classroom will have suffered a form of abuse or neglect in their life.