If you spend time online,
there are some things you need to be aware of
such as grooming.
That’s when someone acts like your friend, girlfriend
or boyfriend to try and get you to do what they want
like talk about sex or send videos or pictures of yourself
without clothes on.
Whether you know the person in real life or not,
that is not OK.
Sometimes, grooming can take place over
a long period of time, over multiple conversations.
It can happen on social media, chats, games, live-streaming
apps, or anywhere else you talk to people online.
It can put you in a harmful situation.
This can be confusing because when you
first meet someone online, it may seem
ike you can trust them.
They might be super friendly and
compliment you or give you things.
Remember, some people might lie about their age
or pretend to be someone else
all to get you to trust them.
But these people are not safe.
Once they have your trust, they will try to trick,
confuse or pressure you into doing what they want.
They will try to gain control over you through
things like embarrassment, threats or making you feel stuck.
If you’re in this type of situation,
know that it’s not your fault and it’s OK to speak up.
Whatever happens, remember that you are not alone.
Help is available
report to CyberTip.ca or visit Kids Help Phone.ca
[On-screen: Learn more at Canada.ca/child-exploitation]