Addressing Online Harms: A Modern Approach to the 'Don't Talk To Strangers' Conversation
Digital Wellness - Bits & Bytes
Talk to your children about the potential impact of sharing sensitive or explicit images online.
- They're permanent and can't be easily removed from the Internet.
- They could be used against you for sextortion/blackmail purposes.
- They could be found when you apply for university or a job.
For more information visit: RCMP
In today's digital world, discussing cyber blackmail with our kids has become as essential as warning them about talking to strangers. It's crucial to have open, honest conversations with our children about the potential risks they may encounter online, including the manipulation and exploitation tactics of images used in cyber blackmail. By educating our children about the dangers and emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and seeking help when needed, we can empower our them to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly.
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Fact:
According to Safer Schools Together, there have been over 2500 cases of online child exploitation reported this year (79% occurred on Instagram or Snapchat). Out of these cases, 91% of reported cases were reported by those who identify as male.
Safer Schools Together recommends following these steps when or if something is to occur:​
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01
Stop communication
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Privatize accounts
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Disable messaging
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Change usernames
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Don't delete accounts​
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Deactivate social media accounts
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02
Find the trusted adult
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Parent/caregiver
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Coaches
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Teachers
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Other?
03
Document
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Physical identifiers
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Digital identifiers
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Relevant information