OPP   OPP news release…
(ORILLIA, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is supporting International Safer Internet Day and cyber safety awareness by encouraging young people and their families to T.H.I.N.K b4 U Send to ensure their safety in the online world.
International Safer Internet Day is February 9th.  It was created to promote safer and more responsible use of technology, especially among children and young people around the world. The theme for Safer Internet Day 2016 is “Play your part for a better internet”.
One of the growing concerns associated with the Internet and mobile devices include cyberbullying.  Cyberbullying happens when people use computers, cellphones or other devices to embarrass, humiliate, torment, threaten or harass someone else.  With the rapid advances in technologies, cyberbullying is happening to more and more people every day.
Another increasing concern is the issue of self/peer exploitation.  Also known as “sexting”, this behaviour is commonly defined as youth creating, sending or sharing sexual images and/or videos with peers via the Internet, social media sites and/or electronic devices.
The OPP is encouraging everyone to apply the T.H.I.N.K test before posting or sending a cyber message or photo.  If it doesn’t pass the T.H.I.N.K test you may be breaking the law.
Ask yourself:
T.        is it true?
H.        is it hurtful?
I.          is it illegal?
N.        is it necessary?
K.        is it kind?
The OPP will be supporting cyber safety awareness by sharing messages and resources and encouraging followers to be part of the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtags #SID2016, #Up2Us and #OPPtips.
Useful links:
http://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/cnt/bt/index-eng.aspx
http://www.pensezcybersecurite.gc.ca/cnt/bt/index-fra.aspx
www.needhelpnow.ca
https://www.protectchildren.ca/app/en/
http://www.thedoorthatsnotlocked.ca/