Sask. ICE Unit urges parents to monitor their kids’ internet use

REGINA If police know one thing about online predators who target children, it’s that they know to go where the kids are.

The Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unit has seen a recent increase in the number of files coming across its desk. While the unit’s co-ordinator Staff Sgt. Scott Lambie can’t say for sure whether there’s a link to COVID-19, he acknowledged the current situation does create additional opportunities for predators.

“I can’t make the inference that what we’re seeing is a result of COVID -19, but I can say that overall all the types of offences that fall upon us to investigate are going up,” he said.

The province’s ICE Unit has been noting an increase in its files over the past few years. During the 2012-13 year, the unit had 186 files come in. By 2018-19, they were up to 403. The 2019-20 year saw an even larger number of files at 528. (Lambie noted those numbers are considered preliminary.)

While he couldn’t speak to why, nor to precise monthly numbers, Lambie noted last year at this time saw something of an increase in child luring cases.

“And currently, this year, April, there’s another little bit of an increase in luring,” he said. “It’s not really a spike, but I can see it’s up a little bit.”

Recently, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection issued an alert through Cybertip.ca, warning parents and guardians about the dangers children face, particularly since the COVID -19 situation could mean more unrestricted time online. The alert noted risks that can occur through online gaming and video chatting as well as popular apps like Tiktok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Kik, among others. Cybertip.ca analysts have reportedly classified 600 reports in Canada over the past two years as child luring, including through several such apps.

The ICE Unit is equally concerned about the offences that can occur through popular apps and online sites.

“Pedophiles are quite aware of the apps and websites that the kids are going to and most often frequent,” Lambie said. “And that’s like a target-rich environment for them, so they’re going to hang out there and try to lure (children) in or groom them towards what they want.”

Lambie said there’s no doubt predators are aware of the opportunities around them, so adults need to stay plugged in to what their kids are doing online.

“I’m not saying look over their shoulder and monitor, but just be involved with the kids and talk about what they’re doing online, what apps they’re using, who they’re talking with, who their friends are ...,” he said.

For more information visit Cybertip.ca.