RCMP expressing concerns for youth safety online following multiple calls of service

Fort St John RCMP are reminding parents of actions they can take to help kids safe online.

Mounties have responded to multiple service calls over the past few weeks related to youths accessing social media platforms and are reporting multiple incidents of alleged cyberbullying and threats amongst youths.

They advise that experiences of cyber victimization are linked to a threefold increase in suicidal thoughts and youth who use platforms like TikTok or Snapchat report higher rates of suicidal thoughts than the national average.

“For parents, encourage your children to use this app if they witness online bullying or inappropriate activity involving fellow students. In addition, parents should monitor their youth’s social media activity,” says Sgt. Dwan Croll. “Parents should always manage their youth’s cellular or computer activity via parental controls. Please take the time to research internet safety with regards to social media platforms such as Snapchat.”