Internet Child Exploitation presentation highlights online dangers

One image. 90 seconds. 91 computers. 21 countries.

That was the speed of how fast one exploitative photo posted to the internet travelled during a police monitored scenario in 2010.

“When you put that picture on the internet you lose control of it. And when you lose control of it you can’t get it back,” Corporal Cory Patterson from the Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unit (Sask ICE) tells parents and warns kids.

Corporal Patterson was recently in Swift Current where he made a series of presentations regarding the dangers children face while online via social media.

“Parents need to be aware of what online responsible digital citizenship is, and the dangers of the internet,” he reminded parents as a key message following his presentation.

“The conversation I had with the parents is to explain to them the importance of knowing what your children are on, what social media applications, the dangers of the internet, the dangers of Facebook where children are putting too much information about themselves on line.”

He shared specifics of how internet predators are prowling on the internet, and the reality that there are people out there looking for specific types of images and videos from children.

“There’s tons of things that can be done through different software applications, through different social media applications, that people aren’t aware of.”

“If your kids are on these type of things, to know what the dangers are and to know what those specific applications actually do.”

Corporal Patterson noted there has been a higher call volume to the Saskatchewan ICE unit over the past number of months, which reflects the growing problem surrounding internet predators.

“There seems to be an influx of calls from members that are in these communities, questioning about tactics or things that we can do as investigators to assist them. Swift Current, and some of the southern towns, are calling us more and more,” he said.

If you have information of any child being exploited through the use of the internet or any media device, or any act of child luring, contact your local Policing agency or the nearest RCMP detachment in your area. You may also leave a tip through Crimestoppers, Cybertip.ca. or call 306-565-3237.