THUNDER BAY – Crimebeat – The Toronto Police Service have charged a young offender over accusations in a “sexting”/self−peer exploitation investigation. There are several reports over the past several days, including one in Thunder Bay of young people using technology for sharing pictures.
The Toronto Police Service share it is alleged that:
− a teenaged girl began an online relationship with a boy, during which she provided photos of herself to the boy
− the boy used the photos in an attempt to manipulate and coerce the girl into sending a video of herself to him, she refused
− the boy gained access to the girl’s email account and sent the photos to several of her email contacts
A boy has been charged with:
1. Making, Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography
2. Extortion
3. Threatening Death
The name of the accused cannot be released under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Anyone with information regarding online sexual exploitation of children is reminded to contact police at www.cybertip.ca or Crime Stoppers.
The Toronto Police Child Exploitation Section would like to take this opportunity to remind parents to talk to their children about the dangers of sending pictures of themselves to persons online. These photographs can be illegal, and can result in the both the humiliation of the victim and the arrest of the accused.
For parents, some advice might be having greater engagement with their children and teens. Keeping safer online is important, and as many young people have far greater knowledge and use of the latest technology, having that relationship is important.
For more information read Making the Internet a Better Place.
