Once again a warning to parents to monitor your children’s online activities. The RCMP says a number of complaints have been received in the northwestern part of the province about an individual hosting an Instagram Live party accessible to every one. Once the live stream ends – certain people are invited to a private chat where they are encouraged to do a variety of things including consumption of drugs or alcohol and enticed to perform sexual acts.
The Mounties say if you have been enticed for sexual acts online – cyber-bullied – or fraud you should contact your local police. If you haven’t become a victim – you should report the incident to the social media platform directly.
What youth can do to protect themselves:
Don’t give out too much personal information.
If you are thinking about meeting up with someone you met online, ask for your parents’ permission first, and make sure you have someone with you.
Do tell someone, like a trusted parent or adult, if someone on the Internet is making you uncomfortable.
What parents can do to protect their children:
Let your child know they can talk to you about anything and that you will always be there for them, no matter what.
Learn how young people are using the Internet. You may have a lot of preconceived notions about ‘social media’ and the Internet that are inaccurate.
Teach the young person about the dangers of posting personal information (location, school, full name, personal pictures) online.
Links:
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Internet Safety
Cybertip
Protectkidsonline
Needhelpnow
Dontgetsextorted
