Parents in Norfolk County are being urged to speak to their children about the dangers of ‘sexting’ after a recent spike in reports to police.
The Ontario Provincial Police says there has been a “marked increase” in the number of reports involving youth being requested to send sexually explicit images or videos of themselves over the internet to peers.
“Everyone needs to realize the long and short term dangers when requests are made to send out sexually explicit photographs,” says Constable Ed Sanchuk, Norfolk County OPP. “Those who distribute it also need to be aware of the criminal ramifications of doing so. Once it’s out there, you can’t get it back and you should not be embarrassed to speak to police about your concerns.”
Earlier this week, police were contacted after a 14-year-old boy allegedly asked a 17-year-old girl for sexually explicit photos through a social media website.
Police say the girl immediately told an adult who in turn contacted police and no photos were sent.
“Porn culture is becoming pop culture, and often parents do not know that their kids are involved, and it can be difficult to determine,” said the OPP in a news release. “Parents are encouraged to have honest and frank discussions with their kids about what self-peer exploitation is, and explain that the images can often end up somewhere they may not want them to be.”