Thursday, March 28, 2024

Timer

OPP urge parents to speak to children after increase in reports of ‘sexting’

First Published:

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.”

More Top News

Federal offender known to frequent Hamilton at large, again

The OPP are searching for a federal offender they say is known to frequent the Hamilton area. 31-year-old Daniel Hale is described as an Indigenous...

Four Ontario school boards sue Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok

Four of Ontario's largest school boards are suing the parent companies of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok alleging the social media platforms are disrupting...

No injuries after fire at Niagara’s Best Inn hotel

Emergency crews were called out to a structure fire at a hotel in Niagara Falls Wednesday night. No one was injured, but the building sustained...

Man crashes car in Stoney Creek after fleeing traffic stop

A Hamilton man is facing charges after he allegedly tried to flee a traffic stop and then crashed his vehicle in the city's east...

Town of Huntsville confirms it was hit by ransomware attack

A town in Ontario's Muskoka region has shared more details about a cybersecurity incident earlier this month. The Town of Huntsville says it was hit...

Evening weather forecast for March 27, 2024

Shelly Marriage shares the forecast for March 27, 2024 and the days ahead.