Police are reminding parents to monitor their children’s online activity.
In January 2015, police received 4 separate reports regarding inappropriate pictures or text messages sent by youth that were exploited in some manner.
As children are using the internet and mobile devices more frequently, Chatham-Kent Police would like to remind those in a caregiving role to be vigilant in monitoring the online activity of their child.
“Online bullying and ‘sexting’ is out there… it goes on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year,” stated Const. Derek Shaw, the school liaison officer for the Chatham-Kent Police Service.
“Parents need to be aware of what their child is doing online especially when they are alone.”
Shaw said to watch out for the “bedroom effect.
“A lot of this activity goes on in their bedroom where they believe they are free from prying eyes. As a parent, you need to make them aware that their activity is monitored. Child internet exploitation is out there but tragically it isn’t being reported as often as it should,” Shaw stated.
To report child exploitation or for more information contact Chatham-Kent Police or go to www.cybertip.ca.
