An interactive programme for young people which explores privacy and trust in social media use is being launched across Forth Valley.

Developed by NHS Forth Valley Health Promotion staff and Falkirk Community Trust, ‘Like?’ is a programme designed to encourage young people to use social media responsibly and think about the consequences of what they post or share online.

Participants will witness outcomes and consequences for a range of characters via a mock social media site, before being invited to comment or share what they see, as they would normally on sites such as Facebook or Twitter.

During the exercise, an issue of online bullying will occur as the result of a shared photograph and pupils will get the chance to interact with – and question – the characters involved.

Following the pilot sessions with S1 pupils at St Mungo’s High School and Grangemouth High School in Falkirk, those who take part will then be offered practical advice and information on how to set up security and privacy settings online, and how to deal with issues that can arise.

NHS Forth Valley’s Senior Health Promotion Officer Pamela Vannan said: “Social media is an important part of young people’s lives today so it is essential that young people can enjoy using it without putting themselves at unnecessary risk.”

Gillian Mooney, Cultural Co-ordinator from Falkirk Community Trust said: “We are excited to be part of this new partnership venture and we are sure this innovative approach to working will have a lasting impact on the young people involved in the Like programme.”

A preview of the pilot will take place between 2 and 3pm at The Studio in Falkirk Town Hall on the 1^st September 2014.