A person launches the TikTok app on their cellphone. File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / EngdaoA person launches the TikTok app on their cellphone. File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / Engdao
Sarnia

Sarnia police stress importance of internet safety

Sarnia police are relaying the importance of social media safety to protect kids from cyberbullying, and potentially dangerous trends or encounters with predators.

Community Engagement Officer Cst. Nick McLean said many parents and caregivers may not know how to monitor their children's social media activity.

"One of my big concerns as a police officer is it's easy to lie on social media," McLean said. "Someone could be saying that they're a 13-year-old trying to speak with another kid but in all reality, it could be an adult trying to speak with an underage kid and lying about who they are."

McLean said a common misconception is that things like sextortion involving youth, luring, grooming, and sex trafficking only happen in larger cities.

"This is stuff that affects our kids within our community," said McLean. "Over the course of my career, that is something that I have investigated before in Sarnia."

McLean said he has also previously investigated incidents of youth committing criminal offences over social media or putting themselves in concerning situations without even realizing it.

"Because of that, I made it a priority for me to attend schools within the community of Sarnia and to teach kids about internet safety," he said. "I teach them about the dangers of social media and I also give them ways to help keep themselves safe."

The Sarnia Police Service has partnered with Sarnia-Lambton Rebound to host a caregiver information session on Monday, November 4 from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

McLean said Monday's presentation will be similar to the one presented in schools and will cover topics such as threats and harassment, as well as heavy topics including sextortion.

"I understand that many caregivers did not grow up in this age of technology and they may not know much about social media or internet usage so this is why I wanted to set up a lecture or a presentation with caregivers," he said. "I want to educate caregivers [about] social media in order to give them tools to keep themselves safe and their kids safe."

There are a limited number of spots available with a maximum of 40. However, McLean said if there's a lot of interest, another community session may be held in the future at a bigger venue.

The free event will be held at 10 Lorne Cres.

Parents and caregivers can pre-register to attend by contacting Mairi Macintyre at (519) 344-2841 or mairi@reboundonline.com.

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