Youth workers in Dundee will take part in a Stand Up To Sectarianism training course this week.
Youth Scotland and five other national voluntary youth organisations are being funded by the Scottish Government to run the sessions.
Teaming up with one of the leading anti-sectarianism organisations Nil By Mouth, Youth Scotland will be at Dundee Voluntary Action on Thursday for the training course.
Michelle Meehan, training and communications manager at Youth Scotland, said: “We consider anti-sectarianism to be part of our respect agenda. Along with tackling bullying and racism it’s come up as a topic.
“With all the stuff in Ireland too it’s given it a higher profile.”
Michelle said the course is designed to challenge some of the stereotypes that exist around sectarianism.
“It’s not just a football problem, it’s not just a west of Scotland problem and it’s not just a male problem,” she said.
“Statistics are showing it’s on the rise and it’s increasing in young people.”
She added that it was particularly important to highlight the sectarian abuse that takes place online.
She said: “We want to raise awareness to young people who may not be aware of the law and that they may be putting themselves at risk.
“Young people online may not be web savvy.”
The group is also using the Scottish Government money to update resources to tailor them to the youth work sector as well as running a small grant scheme.
Michelle continued: “We’ve £20,000 to give away to youth groups to do anti-sectarianism work. We’re looking for groups to come up with ideas.”