A GROUNDBREAKING programme to protect children against sexual abuse and bullying has reached 10,0000 pupils in Glasgow's schools.

A total of 20 volunteers have helped to bring NSPCC Scotland's Childline schools service programme to more than 100 schools over the past three years.

The milestone was reached yesterday as a team paid a visit to Broomhill Primary School to deliver a session to P6 and P7 classes.

The children are shown short videos educating them about abuse in a sensitive and age-appropriate way before discussions take place.

It helps youngsters to learn their rights and lets them know they can contact Childline if they have worries.

Volunteer Claire Slocombe said: It's giving them the information about what their rights are, how they can keep themselves safe and what they can do if they are worried about anything.

"To get to 10,000 is a real achievement, particularly because it is volunteers doing it.

"Anything we can do to help protect vulnerable children is fantastic. It's changing children's lives."

Principal teacher Carol Kinloch said: "The situations that are presented to them are all real-life scenarios and it provides them with information in how to handle it - we ask them if they think it's okay or not okay.

"It opens the subject up. They'll be talking it at lunchtimes and playtimes so it really makes a difference."

Richard Caswell, coordinator for the schools service in Glasgow, said online safety was a topic they highlighted.

He said: "We do look at how we can help children stay safe online and we educate them about the dangers.

"We are consistently updating and developing the changing challenges out there."

The aim of the project is to bring about a reduction in child abuse. They hope to reach every child in Glasgow.

Councillor Stephen Curran, of Glasgow City Council, said: "We will always work alongside partners to give our young people the skills and capabilities to live a long and happy life."

rachel.loxton@eveningtimes.co.uk