Youth more susceptible to web exploitation: police

WATERLOO REGION — Youth — avid users of social media — are more susceptible to being victimized on the internet, say police.

“They are more in tune with it (social media) and more susceptible to being exploited,” said Const. Chris Moore, an officer in the international child exploitation unit with Waterloo Regional Police.

Tuesday marked International Safer internet Day 2018. In Canada, the day is highlighted by the Winnipeg-based Canadian Centre for Child Protection, an agency that helps protect children and youth from becoming victims on the internet.

Moore said youth are savvy when it comes to using different platforms and apps, but may be unaware who is on the other end communicating with them.

Education is the key to help youth navigate the different platforms and parents need to get on board and educate themselves too, he said.

“Do your homework and know who you are talking to,” Moore said.

Moore said often youth are afraid to come forward if they know they are in trouble.

But the sooner they come forward, the less time they are suffering alone either because of bullying or extortion.

Another issue is youth sending intimate photographs to each other, Moore said.

Sometimes, they send a photo to someone they know such as a boyfriend or girlfriend or a random person.

“They become exploited and we see this in both genders,” he said.

For more information on what to watch for go to: protectkidsonline.ca/app/en/ or Cybertip.ca.