Grooming:
While Brandon Police Service hasn't had to deal with a case of this magnitude in the past, cases just like these and worse are becoming much more common. With social media platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, and Facebook, to name a few, online predators are finding it easier to get in touch with youth.
The predator will then get to know their victim and make them feel safe before asking for sexual photos and or videos. At this point, situations only get worse and in the past, the victims have taken their own life.
While social media can be a positive, Sararas does stress the importance of parents speaking to their children about how to stay safe.
"Parents really need to be having conversations with their children, so they understand that it is okay to say no," said Sararas. "I believe there are many individuals that are sending photos to people around the world because they have been convinced to do so."
What are the signs? (according to Sararas)
- The person will try to get to know your child, learn things about them;
- They will be told it's okay to send images and or videos of themself;
- If the victim has sent videos or photos, the suspect will demand more and if they don't receive them, they will say they will show them to their friends and family.
"Things can escalate very quickly," ended Sararas. "It's very important that parents talk to their kids about this type of thing very early on."