Tips on Sexting and Bullying Prevention

Youth and adults of our community need to that the consequences are real: pictures and videos can be easily and quickly shared with others. Once the message is in cyberspace the sender loses control over the material and cannot assume it will remain private.  There can be criminal consequences for those who send, receive or have these photos in their possession, including parents who may not know what is stored on their electronic device.

Charges may include:

• Possession & Distribution, Accessing of Child Pornography (Having a picture or video, looking at it on the internet or just simply showing someone)
• Luring (asking someone to do a sexual act over the computer)
• Voyeurism (taking a picture or video without someone knowing)
• Threats (telling someone you’ll distribute their pictures)
• Sexting can lead to cyberbullying and a range of mental health issues including depression and suicide.
• Cyberbullying includes sending texts or emails that are hurtful or cause mental and perhaps physical harm.

This issue affects students that come from good families, have good grades, are athletes and excel in many areas of their lives.

http://www.ottawapolice.ca/Libraries/Publications/Sexting_Presentation-_Parents_1.sflb.ashx

Adapted from Ottawa Police Service