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PG RCMP seeing increase in cyberbullying, sexting complaints with school back in session

We are barely a month into the new school year in Prince George but the RCMP has received a spike in reports from schools regarding sexting, sextortion, and cyberbullying.

As a result, police are reminding families of the importance of staying safe on social media platforms.

In a release, the detachment offered a few tips to assist the community.

“We spend a lot of time in schools speaking with children and youth about social media, stated Constable Mireille Haunts, Community Policing Officer. We start with the grade three students, talking about general online safety and privacy. As the students get older, we start talking about topics like sexting and sextortion, cyberbullying, and even human trafficking. It’s important that students learn about the potential risks involved when they are using social media.”

Officers also encourage parents to speak with their kids and teens about social media. Ask what social media platforms they are using and make sure you are comfortable with them sharing information that way. Talk with them about what to do if they see or have done something online that makes them uncomfortable.

Further safety tips to help you stay safe online:

  • Keep personal details shared online or in chats to a minimum.
  • Remember everything online is instant, public, and permanent.
  • Use the Grandma rule: if you wouldn’t say it to grandma, don’t say it online.
  • Set the platform’s privacy settings to limit the information you broadcast on social media.

Parents and students can visit the following websites to access further resources.

For parents:
BCRCMP Online Safety
Cybertip.ca
ProtectKidsOnline.ca

For kids:
Zoe & Molly Online
NetSmartzKids

For youth:
NeedHelpNow.ca
Don’tGetSextorted.ca

Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Brendan Pawliw
Brendan Pawliw
Since moving to Prince George in 2015, Brendan has covered local sports including the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, Prince George Spruce Kings, UNBC Timberwolves, Cariboo Cougars AAA, and Northern Capitals U18 female hockey teams. Career highlights include play-by-play during the Spruce Kings' BCHL championship runs in 2018 and 2019, including the Doyle Cup win. He also covered the 2019 National Junior A Championship, the 2017 Telus Cup, the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship, and the 2022 BC Summer Games. Brendan is the news voice on 94.3 The Goat and Country 97 FM, reporting on crime, real estate, labour, and environmental issues. Outside of work, he officiates box lacrosse and fastball, sits on the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame board, and co-hosts the Hockey North podcast.

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