Alberta RCMP shares sextortion, cyberbullying safety tips for youth
Mounties are urging young Albertans to know the warning signs of online exploitation and where to turn for help.
Why it matters
The guidance gives Alberta families practical steps to respond to online exploitation and blackmail targeting youth.
Alberta RCMP has released guidance for youth on protecting themselves from cyberbullying and sextortion, a form of blackmail where someone threatens to share sexual images or videos of a victim online.
For sextortion victims, police recommend cutting off all contact with the offender, refusing to comply with any demands for money or images, and preserving evidence such as screenshots, usernames and profiles. They advise deactivating but not deleting social media accounts, avoiding new friend requests that could come from the offender under a different profile, and telling a trusted adult. Incidents can be reported anonymously through Cybertip.ca, with image removal help available at NeedHelpNow.ca, alongside reporting to the platform involved and local police.
For cyberbullying, the RCMP suggests not responding to harassing messages, saving evidence, blocking and reporting the person responsible, and informing a trusted adult, school or the relevant website or app. Police should be contacted if someone feels threatened or believes a crime has occurred.
Cst. Scott Sterling of the ALERT Internet Child Exploitation Unit said victims of sextortion or cyberbullying are not at fault and that help is available, encouraging youth to act as supportive bystanders by speaking up and connecting victims with trusted adults and resources.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.