Anti-sectarianism website launched

An anti-sectarianism website has been launched to educate young people on the issue and the problems it causes.
The site has videos, interactive quizzes and activities to help children learn about the history of different flags, cultures and religions.

It will also allow them to share experiences through blogs and discussion forums.

Led by YouthLink Scotland, the website brings together resources from the Scottish Government, Scottish Football Association, Young Scot and anti-racism and bigotry charities.

It also has sections for older children and adults to use and it is hoped that it will “get people thinking differently about the issue”.

There will also be a secure section of the site where community activists, academics and practitioners can share resources and best practice, YouthLink Scotland said.

The organisation’s chief executive Jim Sweeney said: “So often we think of sectarianism in Scotland as a ‘west coast’ problem hidden under the banner of football, but sectarian behaviour can be present anywhere in the country.

“This new website is a great chance to share information about projects, events and resources that bring communities together.

“The more we pull together the best of work being done in Scotland, the better chance we have to banish bigotry for good.”

The website was launched today by community safety minister Roseanna Cunningham and a group of young people who were able to use it for the first time.

Ms Cunningham said: “We are committed to the creation of a modern, sectarian-free Scotland – a Scotland which is not weighed down by the prejudices of the past.

“Fantastic work is being carried out across the country to tackle the root causes of sectarianism in communities.

“YouthLink Scotland’s creative website provides another tool to challenge outdated attitudes by providing information in an interesting and accessible way.”

The site can be visited at www.actiononsectarianism.info