Internet Safety Info & Tips

Twitter, Facebook, SnapChat, Instagram and Tumblr are just a few of the many social media platforms that Canadians use daily to work, socialize and stay connected. Unfortunately, those same platforms can also used for more nefarious purposes, like cyber bullying, identify theft and fraud.

A survey by Statistics Canada revealed that 94 per cent of Canadians have internet access, they spend over 10 hours online a week and nearly 65 per cent have a social network profile. Not surprisingly, younger people spend more time online then their parents but the biggest group of new social media adopters is 55+.

The fact is that, for many of us, social media is integral to many aspects of our daily lives. It’s fun. It’s social. It’s ubiquitous. And it’s up to all of us to make sure it’s safe. 

Did you know?

Simply opening a malicious link or email can infect your computer phone or other mobile device with malware (malicious software) that can be used to control and monitor your online activity and steal your personal information? The best way to keep yourself protected is to keep your security settings high, anti-virus software up-to-date and don’t open links or emails if you think they are suspicious.

Even pictures sent using SnapChat aren’t safe? One quick click and the screen that has your image on it can be captured and shared. Assume that anything you post online is permanent.

The Terms of Service you agree to when you sign up for a new social media account may give the platform rights to your content and even limit your ability to delete your account in the future. Make sure you read the small print so you know what you’re agreeing to.

In recent months, local police have seen an uptick of money-motivated sextortion reports where youth of all genders are being targeted. According to cybertip.ca, there has been a 56% increase in youth sextortions between March and August of 2022 [cybertip.ca is a Canadian tip line for reporting online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Visit cybertip.ca for more information].

Protect Yourself...Protect Your Community

Social Networks

• Think before you post.
• Is it True
• Is it Helpful
• Is it Inspiring
• Is it Necessary
• Is it Kind

• Learn about and use the privacy and security settings on social networks.
• If you see a post that is hurtful don't repost.
• More Social Media Safety Tips.

Sextortion

Tips for parents:

• Be open about online behaviour
• Place computers in busy family areas, work with your child to ensure they behave safely online from a young age and teach your child to treat life online as they would their regular life.
• Monitor your children’s online activities regularly
• Search your child’s name using popular search engines, blogs and social network platforms to see what comes up on their public record
• Be aware of mobile applications
• Some social media applications are not suitable for all children & many applications have age limits in order to download. Some applications may publicly display private information including your child’s location.

Tips for youth:

• Think before you share
• It is difficult to remove information once it’s shared. Even though a smartphone app may advertise what you send will disappear in a few seconds, content can still be screen captured to make it last forever.
• Be socially responsible
• Speak up and do the right thing. If you see something you don’t agree with, like cyberbullying, harassment or threats, ask a trusted adult for advice or help.
• Protect your privacy online
• Only accept friend requests from people you know, only share images that you would be okay sharing
• Do not send money to anyone online, and especially anyone you do not know. 
• If you have disclosed an intimate image, nude photo or video and it was shared without your consent, know that it is not your fault. Tell a trusted adult who can help you contact your local police agency. We will investigate without judgement.

For more useful information and tips, please visit the following links:

• Government of Canada - Child Sexual exploitation on the internet
• Government of Canada – Online Child Sexual Exploitation
• BC RCMP – Internet Safety Tips for Teens
• Canadian Centre for Child Protection
• One Child
• Need Help Now- Helps stop the spread of sexual pictures or videos

Identity Theft

• Keep your security software up-to-date, use filters to limit access to potentially dangerous content and establish rules for internet use in your family.
• Don’t post personal information online. Addresses, phone numbers, even your full birth date is information identity thieves can easily use.
• When banking or shopping online make sure the site is secure. Look for a URL that begins with "https://" and a "closed padlock" is in the address bar.
• More Identify Theft Prevention Tips.

Frauds and Scams

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t click on links in suspicious or unsolicited emails. And don’t respond to them. Delete them.
• Don’t write down or share passwords and make sure to use secure passwords.
• A bank or reputable business will never ask you to provide private information via email.
• More Fraud and Scams Prevention Tips.

If you see something, say something!

Public safety, including online safety, is everyone's responsibility—and it's easy. The best way to do your part for public safety is to get connected to your neighbourhood, pay attention to what is going on around you and report any criminal or suspicious activity to the police. Find out more about reporting criminal and suspicious activity to the Coquitlam RCMP.