The law should be changed to give anonymity to children who have been murdered to protect their siblings and family, the government has been told.

Sixteen charities have written to the First Minister calling for action to strengthen the law.

Currently, children who are the victims of a crime have the right to anonymity and the charities want it extended to those who have died as a result of crime.

READ NEXT:Billy Connolly documentary announced for Glasgow Film Festival 2024

An MSP has proposed amendments to a bill going through the Scottish Parliament that would grant anonymity.

The change is being called for to protect families from significant media attention after the death of a child.

Victim Support Scotland is leading the campaign and has secured the backing of a number of charities.

The Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) and Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bills is currently being considered by MSPs.

The letter has been signed by Victim Support Scotland, Aberlour Children’s Charity, Action for Children, Abused Men In Scotland (AMIS), Barnardo’s, Children 1st, Children & Young People’s Centre for Justice, Families Outside, The Manda Centre, Moira Anderson Foundation, PETAL (People Experiencing Trauma and Loss), Quarriers, SACRO, Scottish Women’s Aid, Scottish Campaign against Irresponsible Drivers (SCID) and Women’s Support Project.

The campaign calls for reporting restrictions to cover deceased victims under 18 as well as live victims.

It would also allow families to apply to appeal anonymity if they later want to name their child.

The letter from charities follows an open letter signed by 65 family members bereaved by crime and issued on Friday 19 January 2024.

In other countries, including Australia, India and Ireland, child victims of homicide are granted anonymity.

READ NEXT: Cops reveal festive drink and drug driving campaign results

The charities say it will put choice and control in the hands of families.

Kate Wallace, Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: “Surviving siblings of these victims have a right to a childhood. They have a right to a private, family life. We are calling on the Scottish Government to do better by affording an automatic right to anonymity to children and young people who die as a result of a crime, so that their surviving siblings can live their lives free of unnecessary intrusion.”

Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive, Children 1st, said:  “It is simply wrong that a child who has already experienced the terrible distress of their brother or sister being murdered, faces further trauma because of a gap in the law.  Every child has the right to privacy and no child, particularly those who have already suffered so much, should live in fear of press and social media scrutiny of their family life.”