â–ş Listen Live

Parents urged to monitor online activity as reports of child exploitation spike

The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit is urging parents to closely monitor their children’s internet activity after a spike in cases of online child exploitation in March. That month, ICE received 243 reports of online child exploitation from across the province, which more than doubles the two year average of 110 reports for the month.

ALERT Communications Director Mike Tucker says there could be several reasons behind the surge in reports, but he believes that it is a result of more people staying at home and spending time online as a result of COVID-19. He suggests the time is right for parents to have open and frank conversations with their children about the interactions they have in the online world.

“Maybe some of those restrictions, standards, and even time has slipped a bit during COVID as we are spending more time inside and I know that parents are a little more stressed out being thrust into teaching [roles]. It’s really important to invest in some safety measures and understanding what activities are taking place.”

Tucker adds time is of the essence when it comes to protecting youth in Alberta and across the country, and it’s up to parents to make sure their children are as safe as possible while online.

“I think there is a lot of naivety involved in some of this and parents thinking this could never happen to my son or daughter; they could never be duped in something like this,” he says. “You’re dealing with, in some of these cases, professional predators who have trained themselves and coached themselves to take advantage in these types of situations.”

Parents can find a plethora of resources to help protect their families by visiting the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. Anyone with information about any child exploitation offence is encouraged to contact local police or visit cybertip.ca.

Written by: Michael Lumsden, MyGrandePrairieNow.com.

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Town of Wainwright has lowest cost of living in Alberta

Overall for 2024, on all items, Wainwright comes in at 92.5 meaning its about eight per cent cheaper to buy something in Wainwright compared to Edmonton. Lloydminster comes in at 94.6, meaning prices on average are about two per cent more expensive than Wainwright.

Road expansion for Cenovus Energy Hub begins July 15

If your regular commute takes you along 40 Avenue, from July 15 you will have to adjust that as Lloydminster road crews will lead road upgrades near the soon to be completed Cenovus Energy Hub.

Grace United cancels Sunday service following small fire

In the aftermath of the minor fire at Grace United Church, Lloydminster on Thursday July 3, Sunday service has been cancelled as the church deals with cleanup.

Lloydminster fire crews put out minor fire at Grace United Church

A minor fire at Grace United Church in downtown Lloydminster engaged the efforts of Lloydminster fire crews on Thursday, July 3.

Parade Marshals announced for Lloyd Ex

With the Lloyd Ex Fair celebrating 120 years, the prestigious role of the Parade Marshals to herald the start of the summer festival are Terence Bexson of Marshall and Lyle & Alison Lee of Lloydminster.
- Advertisement -