A reminder to parents to talk to your kids about online safety, and keep an eye on their activity.
Saint-Leonard RCMP are investigating complaints of a person encouraging youth to take drugs or drink alcohol, and perform sexual acts.
“We have received reports of an individual hosting an Instagram Live party which is accessible to the public,” says Sergeant Jean-Pierre Bouchard with the Saint-Léonard RCMP.
“Following the live stream, certain individuals are invited to a private chat where they are encouraged to engage in illegal activity, including the consumption of drugs or alcohol and enticed to perform sexual acts.”
RCMP are asking anyone who may have been an online victim, to contact them.
If you have not fallen victim, report the incident to the social media platform directly.
Some tips from RCMP on 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.
RCMP also recommend a number of other useful websites with information on Internet safety.
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police Internet Safety
- Cybertip
- Protectkidsonline
- Needhelpnow
- Dontgetsextorted
