Online Safety

Social networking apps and sites, text messages, and chat rooms and online forums are part of everyday life, but can also pose risks – from sexual harassment and bullying to more serious dangers like exposure to sexual predators.

One incriminating or offensive statement or photo posted online can quickly get out of control and be difficult to undo, remove, or forget. They can get circulated to your social circle (and beyond) in a matter of seconds, can offend and/or intimidate you, and can influence other people’s perceptions and opinions of you.

The same goes for something you send or post. Sending sexy or naked photos can quickly be shared, either accidentally or intentionally.

Content

Consider the following to protect yourself from potential dangers of the internet:

When possible, only allow friends or followers on your social media accounts that you know and trust.
Be cautious of engaging in sexual conversations through chat or text (sexting) and consider the consequences if the other person decided to share these conversations publicly.
Never post photos of yourself naked or that could be considered too sexy.
Do not allow others to see you naked using a webcam.

Use privacy settings to limit when you are tagged in a photo or when you share personal information in a post.
Don’t give too much information about yourself to someone you don’t know or haven’t met.
Online dating can be a fun and effective way to meet new people, and often leads to happy endings. If you have decided to meet in person, plan your first date in a safe setting – where there will be other people around, or bring a friend along.

If you find yourself in a situation that you can no longer handle, if you are being threatened or forced into things that you don’t want to be doing, you can get help.

Cyber Bullying is a Crime.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) advise:

Leave the Conversation

Just leave the conversation.

Keep Track of the Bullying

Write it down and/or save a screenshot of the online message.

Tell Someone You Trust

Tell someone you trust. If you don’t trust anyone or need to speak with someone urgently, contact the confidential and toll-free Kids Help Phone.

Report the Bullying

If you are a student, report the bullying to your school’s administrators.

Report Criminal Offences

Report criminal offences, such as threats, assaults, and sexual exploitation to the local police detachment.

Report Unwanted Text Messages

Report unwanted text messages to your telephone service provider.

Report Online Bullying

Report online bullying to the social media site and block the person responsible.

If you are a victim of bullying online, know someone who is being bullied, or know or think that a child is a victim of bullying, visit the Royal Canadian Mounted Police website on Bullying and Cyberbullying at: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cycp-cpcj/bull-inti/index-eng.htm.

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