Youth at more risk online, RCMP warn
Record-high child exploitation cases reported to ICE
After a youth in High River was contacted by a potential online predator while chatting with classmates through a networking app, High River RCMP is warning parents and youth that online child exploitation is on the rise in Alberta.
With youth spending more time online because of at-home education during the pandemic, the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team reported a record high for reports of online child exploitation in March.
The Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit received 243 reports of exploitation in March, more than double the two-year monthly average of around 110 per month.
High River RCMP said a youth was using the social media app Hangouts to chat with classmates Tuesday when they were sent messages from an unknown user.
“The unknown user shared a photo of himself, which appeared to be that of a male, approximately 40 to 50 years old. The unknown user encouraged the youth to share photos, at which point the youth ceased contact with the potential online predator,” RCMP said in a news release.
ALERT CEO Supt. Dwayne Lakusta said in a news release that it appears predators are also spending more time online, looking to take advantage of kids.
“As a parent myself, I have recently noticed some concerning online behaviour and have had to be even more diligent in monitoring what apps my child is using and who they are engaging with. All parents need to be vigilant of their kids’ online activities,” said Lakusta.
Both the Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Catholic School District said they have not received a noticeable increase in reports of online predators from their schools and families.
Both school districts have selected the platforms for education to be secure, password-protected environments.
They have both introduced digital citizenship policies and guidelines for families, students and staff to reduce risk.
Families have been provided with educational materials to help them communicate with their children about online safety.
“We strongly encourage our parents to continue having conversations about digital citizenship and I also urge parents to have their students, when participating or working in a digital environment, in a common, open space in their homes,” such as the kitchen table, said Mike Nelson, CBE education director.
The CCSD also uses a filtering system that blocks access to websites identified as unsuitable for student use, and subscribes to a service that monitors devices connected to their network for certain keywords and phrases such as selfharm or suicide.
High River RCMP is suggesting parents be aware of their child’s online activity and educate them about the risks of sharing personal information online.
Precautions that should be taught to youth include: not sharing names, addresses, phone numbers, personal information or pictures with strangers, and assuming that all information shared online could become public.
It’s also important to communicate that children are safe to speak with trusted adults when they are approached by someone who might be a predator.
Anyone with information about online child exploitation can contact police at cybertip.ca.