Parents and caregivers across Canada’s Prairie provinces are being urged to pay closer attention to their children’s online activities as police warn of a growing threat from violent extremist groups targeting vulnerable young people through social media and online gaming platforms.
Authorities say these groups use manipulation, grooming, intimidation and blackmail to establish relationships with children before pressuring them into dangerous and abusive activities.
The warning follows growing concerns from police services in Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan about online networks that deliberately target children and teenagers, sometimes as young as eight years old.
One of the networks identified by Canadian authorities is known as The Com, short for The Community. It includes groups such as 764, which have been associated with online exploitation, extreme violence, cruelty and child sexual abuse material.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), members of these networks search online platforms for vulnerable children, particularly those experiencing loneliness, bullying, family difficulties or social isolation.
They often begin conversations by pretending to share similar experiences, gradually building trust before introducing disturbing content and encouraging increasingly harmful behaviour.
Popular platforms used to approach young people include Discord, Telegram, Snapchat, Roblox, Minecraft, Twitch and Steam.
Police Identify Warning Signs for Parents
Winnipeg Police Service has previously issued public safety warnings about the growing threat, urging parents, educators and healthcare professionals to recognise potential signs of online exploitation.
Police say warning signs may include unexplained injuries, sudden withdrawal from family and friends, secretive behaviour around electronic devices and unusual changes in mood or interests.
Children may also become increasingly attached to unfamiliar online contacts, receive unexpected gifts or virtual currency, or demonstrate an unusual interest in violent and disturbing material.
In some cases, victims are threatened with the publication of private photographs or personal information if they refuse to follow instructions.
The RCMP has warned that these groups may also encourage self-harm, violence against animals, sexual exploitation and other dangerous activities.
Authorities Encourage Open Communication
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection has also raised concerns about increasing reports involving violent online networks.
Police are encouraging parents to maintain open conversations with their children about internet safety, understand the applications and games they use and establish appropriate online boundaries.
They also advise caregivers to take behavioural changes seriously without immediately blaming or punishing children who may already be victims of manipulation.
Anyone concerned that a child is being targeted or exploited can report the situation to local police or Cybertip.ca. Immediate emergencies should be reported by calling 911.
Authorities stress that protecting children requires cooperation between families, schools, law enforcement agencies and technology platforms.
As online threats continue to evolve, parents are being reminded that regular communication and awareness remain essential in preventing children from becoming victims of extremist networks.
Swifteradio.com
