More screen time equals more risk
By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Young people should be more aware of their online activities and who they are communicating with, according to a provincial law enforcement team investigating child exploitation crimes.
Safer Internet Day, a yearly event promoting safer and more responsible use of online technology by children and young people, was highlighted by the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit of the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT), on Feb. 9.
ICE investigates offences involving child pornography, computer-related child sexual abuse, child luring over the internet, voyeurism involving victims under the age of 18, and child sex trade and tourism.
Last year, ICE experienced a record number of new investigations, with over 2,100 intakes, representing an over 50 per cent increase from the previous year. The unit responded by making 127 arrests and laying 399 charges in 2020 province wide.
Law enforcement agencies and other organizations worldwide have raised concerns that because the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many children to spend more time at home and online, children may be at an increased risk of sexual exploitation, both online and offline, according to a report by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).
“The pandemic has produced new standards of social engagement and digital learning, but we must confront the dark reality that there is no shortage of online predators looking to exploit and harm your children,” said superintendent Dwayne Lakusta, ALERT CEO.
Despite its efforts, ICE is also asking parents for help to confront the problem.
“Policing the internet is an impossible task. By the time our unit gets involved, the offence has already happened, and that’s why we are trying to get parents to play a more proactive role in protecting their children,” said Sgt. Kerry Shima.
A number of resources for parents and youth, including tips for protecting against unwanted interactions, are offered by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (protectkidsonline.ca), a national charity dedicated to the personal safety of all children.
Tips include teaching children to check with their parents before chatting or texting with anyone, and to trust their instincts when communicating with someone.
Parents are also advised to reinforce with their children the idea that not everyone is who they say they are online, and that if they view something that makes them feel uncomfortable, they can bring it up without fear of getting in trouble or losing online privileges.
Anyone with information about online child exploitation offences may contact local police or cybertip.ca.