RCMP Warns Parents: Online Bullying on the Rise in White Rock

White Rock, British Columbia is experiencing a surge in online bullying and sexting among youth, prompting the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to issue a warning to parents. Cpl. Crystal Sears of the White Rock RCMP stated, "We've seen youth as young as seven having unsupervised access to the internet and sending intimate images of themselves and others on various social media platforms." The RCMP's concern is amplified by the fact that only 20% of cyberbullying incidents are reported to police. The video also includes a poignant interview with the mother of Amanda Todd, a teenager who tragically took her own life after being subjected to cyberbullying. The mother underscores the lasting impact of online harassment and the inadequacy of platforms' claims that such content will disappear. To combat this issue, the BC government's 'erase.gov.bc.ca' platform offers an anonymous reporting tool for students. This initiative aims to empower young people to report cyberbullying incidents without fear of retribution. While challenges remain, the increased awareness and availability of reporting mechanisms offer a glimmer of hope in addressing this growing problem.