Action taken to improve Internet safety for children
The North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP is taking an active role in educating parents and teachers about the important resources necessary for keeping children safe from online sexual exploitation.
Tuesday was deemed global Internet Safety Day, but practices must be followed on a regular basis, according to police.
Distributing iSmart material, an Internet and social media resource toolkit, is a big step in the right direction.
"The North Cowichan/Duncan detachment has already been in the schools this year talking about Internet safety,'' noted Cpl. Jon Stuart. "We hope that providing youth with the right decision-making tools, it will help them to make smart choices.
"The iSmart program helps youth to make the right decisions by giving them tips to watch out for suspicious activity. It shows them that people can pretend to be someone they are not, and you never truly know who you are in contact with online.''
Police have more material available for those who'd like more detailed information.
"We also have pamphlets available that talk about Internet safety, including the iSmart program,'' added Stuart. "These and others are available at the detachment and at the community police stations.''
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection realizes educators play a critical role in teaching children personal safety strategy to help reduce online victimization. With that in mind, more than a million Internet safety materials will be distributed to schools across Canada free of charge.