A total of14 police agencies across Ontario recently that took part in a province-wide initiative focused on protecting children from online exploitation.
Between September 22 and 26, 2025, police participating in the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet spoke with 282 families after reports of children self-exploiting online. Officers found the average age of children generating such material was between five and nine years old.
“I commend the outstanding efforts of our Provincial Strategy members from across the province whose dedication continues to protect vulnerable children in Ontario,” said OPP Deputy Commissioner Marty Kearns, Investigations and Organized Crime. “Their tireless work is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safeguarding youth from online predators.”
Acting Detective Staff Sergeant Tara Clark, Provincial Strategy Coordinator, said the issue requires vigilance and guidance from parents. “Our most fundamental responsibility as a society is to protect our children from those who would do them harm,” she said. “The internet is part of daily life and offers many benefits such as learning and communication opportunities, especially for children; however, it often leaves children vulnerable to unsafe situations. Just as you wouldn’t leave your child alone in a city, don’t let them navigate the online world alone.”
Police services across Ontario are seeing a rise in incidents involving children unknowingly posting or sharing sexualized images of themselves online. Young children may not fully understand what is appropriate to post or share—or the risks and consequences that come with it.
The Provincial Strategy coordinates law enforcement partners across Ontario to combat child sexual abuse on the internet through information sharing, resources, and coordinated investigations.
Police urge parents to stay engaged with their children’s online activity and to visit the Canadian Centre for Child Protection or cybertip.ca for resources on keeping kids safe online.
Anyone with information about child exploitation is asked to contact their local police or submit a report to cybertip.ca. In emergencies, call 9-1-1.
