White Rock Mounties urge parents to monitor children’s cellphone use

Mounties in the Lower Mainland are imploring parents to monitor their children’s cellphone usage as they say there are “increasing concerns related to negative online behaviours.”

In a statement Monday, the White Rock RCMP said it has noticed an increase in those behaviours, including cyberbullying and “sharing explicit content (sexting).”

Police say the actions are usually taken in phone apps, which children incorrectly believe can’t be traced back to them.

“It is important to know that youth aged twelve and older can be charged with Criminal Code Offences for online misconduct. This includes serious offences such as sharing intimate images of another youth without consent, online harassment, or making threats through digital platforms,” Mounties stated.

Mounties are urging parents to: stay engaged with their kids by knowing what apps they use, who they talk to, and what content they decide to share; set boundaries by enforcing screen time and the like; create a safe space for your kids to talk about what happens online, making it easy for them to tell you about uncomfortable things; and be alert for “red flags”, such as a sudden change in behaviour, secrecy about phone use, or receiving unknown gifts.

The White Rock RCMP is also recommending that parents set boundaries on where devices can be used.

“I have yet to investigate a file where nude images were sent from the kitchen or family room. They have always been sent from the bedroom or bathroom with parents/guardians present inside the home,” Const. Chantal Sears explained.

Meanwhile, police are reminding children that they should never share personal or explicit photos or videos.

“If you wouldn’t want your parent, teacher or coach to see what you are sending, it’s probably not appropriate to send,” Sears said. “Social media apps such as Snapchat and Discord (and others) can be traced back to you even after what you have sent disappears or is deleted. It’s important to treat your online life as you would your regular life.”

Mounties are also urging that kids don’t speak to strangers online, even if they believe the other person to be of a similar age, and understand that if something is shared online, it can never be taken back.