SOUND OFF: Canadian children under increasing threat from online predators

Jun 21, 2021 | 2:25 PM

OVER THE PAST YEAR, as Canadian children were forced to spend most of their time indoors, online sexual exploitation of minors increased drastically. According to national tipline Cybertip.ca, a 66 per cent spike in reports compared to previous months were noted in April 2020. During the first half of last year, a new type of online predator, known as a ‘capper’, was identified. Now, more than a year later, the nation’s children are still under threat of these and other online abusers who will seemingly stop at nothing to lure innocent victims into their dark web of perversion.

Cappers trick unsuspecting children

Cappers, as the predators call themselves, trick young children and teenagers into engaging in various sexual activities over a live-stream which they secretly record. The footage is then typically used to blackmail the minor for either more sexual material or even money. In some instances, the child is not blackmailed, but the video is circulated among other online predators instead. It was also discovered that cappers boast about their accomplishments and share tips on how to make use of ‘bait videos’ to trick children, on easy-accessible online forums. The initial contact with the victim is generally made via online platforms such as Skype, Snapchat, Instagram, Omegle and Chatroulette.

Is anyone really safe?

While children between the ages of 13 and 17 are typically being targeted by cappers, evidence indicates that anyone is at risk of being a victim. A capper’s primary intention is to compile a database of sexual images and videos that can be distributed among the sexual predator community. In order to keep their children safe, Canadian parents need to understand online grooming. It is of the utmost importance that trust and transparency are present in the parent-child relationship. Children also need to understand the risks of online predators and must be comfortable to confide in a trustworthy adult should they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

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Be on the lookout for suspicious behavior

Although parents want to believe that their children will confide in them, it is unfortunately not always the case. According to Catherine Tabak, the Cybertip.ca program manager at the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, parents need to always be aware of suspicious behavior. Don’t be afraid to ask your child to reveal who they are interacting with online, as it is a known fact that predators often present themselves as children in order to lure their victims. Common red flags include a child suddenly isolates themselves in certain parts of the house, like their bedroom or the bathroom or becomes increasingly secretive. If a parent suspects that their child has fallen victim to an online predator, the police should be contacted right away.

There has been a steep increase in the online sexual harassment of Canadian children over the past year. By being proactive and establishing a relationship based on trust with their children, parents can play a huge role in keeping their children safe online.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.

by Katlyn Eriksen

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SOUND OFF: Canadian children under increasing threat from online predators

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