Is now a good time to talk to my child about social media?

According to the Nova Scotia RCMP, the beginning of a new school year is a good time to have such a conversation with junior high and high school-aged children. With new relationships, social pressures and technology, it can be helpful to open a supportive, non-judgmental dialogue about using technology in a safe, positive way.

Although it can be uncomfortable for parents and kids, part of this conversation may include the risks of using technology to send and receive intimate images and video. This could result in “sextortion”, someone threatening to send a sexual image or video of you to other people if you don’t pay them or provide more sexual content. It can result in trauma and other psychological harm to yourself, your loved ones and others, as well as bullying.

It’s also important to remember intimate images or video of someone under the age of 18 is considered child pornography. Distribution or possession of child pornography is illegal and can result in lengthy prison sentences.

If you’ve sent intimate content of yourself or someone else, tell a trusted adult and start taking steps to address it. Visit https://needhelpnow.ca/app/en/ for more information. If someone sends you intimate content, tell a trusted adult. They can talk through the situation with you and help figure out your next steps. You may wish to report your concerns anonymously at https://www.cybertip.ca/app/en/report.

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Email your question to: scott.doherty@saltwire.com.